Investigation into Crans-Montana rescue efforts: shortcomings reported
Two families of the victims report serious shortcomings in the management of rescue efforts during the New Year's Eve fire in Crans-Montana.
Contesto
In brief - Two families report shortcomings in rescue efforts in Crans-Montana - Criminal investigation opened by the Valais Public Ministry - 13 people already under investigation for negligent homicide ## Key facts - What: Investigation into the management of rescue efforts - When: After the fire on December 31, 2025 - Where: Crans-Montana, Canton of Valais - Who: Valais Public Ministry - Impact: 41 victims and over 100 injured On New Year's Eve, 41 people lost their lives in the fire at the bar Le Constellation in Crans-Montana, and more than a hundred were injured. In the hours following the event, the Valais Public Ministry opened a criminal investigation to determine any responsibilities in the tragedy. To date, 13 people, the Moretti couple and 11 people linked to the municipality of Crans-Montana, are under investigation, particularly for negligent homicide. According to information from RTS, the Public Ministry will open a new criminal investigation into the management of rescue efforts in the moments following the tragedy. According to police sources, the prosecutors have decided to separate the proceedings to avoid further burdening the main procedure, which already has 13 defendants. This decision is understandable as none of the 13 accused have responsibility for the shortcomings that may have occurred in the care of the injured. ### The families' complaints Two lawyers are at the origin of the decision of the Public Ministry to look into the management of the rescue efforts. They are the Swiss Philippe Nantermod, who is also a PLR (VS) national councillor, and the Italian Fabrizio Ventimiglia, who works closely with the Geneva lawyer Pierluca Degni. Nantermod wrote to the prosecutors leading the criminal investigation in March. In this letter, of which...
Dettagli operativi
Implications for cross-border workers The investigation into the management of rescue operations in Crans-Montana raises important issues for cross-border workers who live and work in Switzerland, particularly in the Canton of Valais. The tragedy has highlighted the need for greater attention to safety and emergency management, especially in tourist areas like Crans-Montana. For cross-border workers employed in the tourism sector or related activities, it is crucial to be aware of safety protocols and emergency procedures. This includes knowledge of assembly points, escape routes, and emergency contacts. Additionally, it is important that employers provide adequate and regular training on safety protocols. ### Comparison with the previous situation Before this tragedy, the management of emergencies in Crans-Montana was considered adequate. However, the fire at the bar Le Constellation has highlighted some shortcomings that need to be addressed. Complaints from the families of the victims and the injured have brought to light specific problems, such as the lack of oxygen tanks and thermal blankets, which need to be resolved to ensure better emergency management in the future. ### Future scenarios In the future, it is likely that new regulations and protocols will be introduced to improve emergency management. This could include an increase in the number of available oxygen tanks and thermal blankets, as well as more in-depth training for rescuers. Additionally, greater coordination between different emergency services may be necessary to ensure a more effective and timely response. ### Comparative table | Aspect | Before the fire | After the fire | |---------------------------|----------------------------|----------------------------| | O...
Punti chiave
Concrete actions for cross-border workers For cross-border workers employed in Crans-Montana, it is important to take some concrete measures to ensure their own safety and that of others. Here are some specific actions that can be taken: 1. Attend training courses: Participate in training courses on safety protocols and emergency procedures offered by employers or local authorities. 2. Know the meeting points: Familiarize yourself with the designated meeting points in case of an emergency and make sure you know how to reach them quickly. 3. Follow evacuation routes: Familiarize yourself with the indicated evacuation routes and make sure you know how to reach them in case of an emergency. 4. Contact emergency services: Make sure you know how to contact emergency services using the number 112. 5. Provide assistance: Learn first aid techniques and make sure you know how to assist the injured while waiting for rescuers to arrive. 6. Follow instructions: Make sure to follow the instructions of rescuers and authorities in case of an emergency. ### Useful tools For further information and useful tools, cross-border workers can consult the safety calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. This tool can help assess risks and plan the necessary safety measures. ### Final CTA For further information and to plan the necessary safety measures, consult the safety calculator available on the Frontaliere Ticino website. This tool can help you assess risks and plan the necessary safety measures to ensure your safety and that of others. Source: rsi.ch
Punti chiave
[{"q":"What are the main shortcomings reported in the management of rescue operations in Crans-Montana?","a":"The main shortcomings reported include the lack of oxygen cylinders and thermal blankets, a late arrival of the ambulance, and an underestimation of the severity of the patients' injuries."},{"q":"Who opened the investigation into the management of rescue operations?","a":"The investigation was opened by the Valais Public Prosecutor's Office, at the request of lawyers Philippe Nantermod and Fabrizio Ventimiglia."},{"q":"What are the implications for cross-border workers who work in Crans-Montana?","a":"Cross-border workers must be aware of safety protocols and emergency procedures, as well as follow the instructions of the authorities in case of an emergency."}]
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the main shortcomings reported in the management of rescue operations in Crans-Montana?
- The main shortcomings reported include the lack of oxygen cylinders and thermal blankets, a late arrival of the ambulance, and an underestimation of the severity of the patients' injuries.
- Who opened the investigation into the management of rescue operations?
- The investigation was opened by the Valais Public Prosecutor's Office, at the request of lawyers Philippe Nantermod and Fabrizio Ventimiglia.
- What are the implications for cross-border workers who work in Crans-Montana?
- Cross-border workers must be aware of safety protocols and emergency procedures, as well as follow the instructions of the authorities in case of an emergency.