The Swiss government has announced solidarity payments for victims of the tragic fire at the "Le Constellation" bar. Meanwhile, 15-year-old Elsa, one of the most severely injured, is leaving the Zurich hospital after two months and being transferred to a clinic in Turin. These decisions come amid diplomatic tensions between Bern and Rome concerning the investigation into the New Year's tragedy that claimed 41 lives.

Solidarity Payments

The Swiss government has allocated 50,000 francs for each victim and the family of each deceased person as urgent financial support.

Return of Injured 15-Year-Old

Elsa from Biella, who survived the fire with 60% body burns, is being transferred from a Zurich hospital to Turin.

Tensions on the Bern-Rome Line

The Italian delegation accuses Swiss authorities of disrespect and blocking a joint investigation into the fire.

The Swiss government has approved the "Lex Crans-Montana" project, which provides for payments of 50,000 Swiss francs (approx. 55,000 euros) to each hospitalized victim and to the families of those who died in the fire that broke out on New Year's Eve. These funds are in addition to the 10,000 francs previously granted by the canton of Valais. A total of 7.8 million francs has been allocated to support the 156 most affected individuals. This is intended as a gesture of empathy and rapid financial assistance, which does not preclude future civil claims against the venue owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti. Positive news has emerged regarding 15-year-old Elsa from Biella, who has been fighting for her life in Zurich for two months. The teenager, who suffered burns on 60% of her body, has awakened from a coma and undergone a series of operations. Her condition has stabilized sufficiently for doctors to permit her transfer to the CTO hospital in Turin. The girl's parents emphasize that Elsa is very happy to be returning to her homeland, and her classmates enthusiastically received the news of her rehabilitation progress. Switzerland is known for its precise and rigorous compensation procedures, but the scale of the Crans-Montana tragedy forced federal authorities to use an extraordinary legislative pathway to avoid years-long legal proceedings.Despite gestures of solidarity, relations between Switzerland and Italy remain tense. According to unofficial information, the Italian delegation nearly walked out of the recent meeting in Bern, feeling disrespected by the Swiss Federal Office of Justice. The main point of contention is the refusal to establish a joint investigative team, which Rome has been calling for, citing the deaths of six young Italians, among others. The Swiss claim that an official request on this matter has not yet been submitted, which contradicts documentation held by the media. The prosecution indicates that the cause of the tragedy was flares attached to champagne bottles, which ignited soundproofing foam on the basement ceiling. In the fire, 115 people were injured, and nearly half of them still require complex hospital treatment. „Le Conseil fédéral partage avec les victimes et leurs familles le désir de vérité et de justice.” (The Federal Council shares with the victims and their families the desire for truth and justice.) — Guy Parmelin

Mentioned People

  • Doris Leuthard — Former President of Switzerland, who will head the Beloved foundation supporting the victims.
  • Guy Parmelin — President of Switzerland responsible for negotiations with the victims' families.