Switzerland to Pay 50,000 Francs to Crans-Montana Fire Victims

Switzerland will pay victims of the deadly bar fire in the Crans-Montana ski resort a “solidarity contribution” of 50,000 francs ($64,500) after the government concluded that the current support system for the affected is insufficient.

The sum will be paid out to everyone hospitalized as a result of the blaze and the relatives of those who died. Forty-one people died and more than 100 were injured in the fire, which took place during a New Year’s party in the Alpine town.

“The Federal Council considers this an important sign of social solidarity and an expression of the federal government’s sympathy,” the government said Wednesday. The money is intended to give “rapid and unbureaucratic support, help bridge acute financial difficulties and provide short-term relief.”

The administration will also convene a roundtable of victims, insurers and authorities to find an out-of-court compensation solution for those affected so they can avoid lengthy legal battles. The government could contribute up to 20 million francs to these out-of-court settlements, it said.

With the decisions, the Swiss government said it’s responding to the fact that the system of victim support, as well as public and private insurance is designed for individual cases and “is reaching its limits facing an event with a high number of casualties.”

Local Swiss authorities in the canton of Valais have faced criticism for their handling of the investigation following the incident. Following protests from Italy, Swiss prosecutors have agreed to cooperate with their Italian counterparts in the probe.

Photograph: Candles and flowers at the entrance of the bar “Le Constellation” in Crans-Montana, Switzerland; photo credit: Maxime Schmid/AFP/Getty Images

Related:

• Door of Swiss Bar Where 40 Died in Fire Was Locked, Says RTS
• Fire Safety Inspections Lapsed for Years at Swiss Bar Where 40 Died in New Year’s Blaze
• Swiss Bar’s Owners Face Criminal Negligence Probe After Fire