Tragedy in Crans-Montana: Injured Elsa Returns to Italy, Investigators Examine New Footage

The situation surrounding the tragic fire in Crans-Montana is evolving dynamically, intertwining medical, investigative, and diplomatic threads. A key event in recent hours was the transport of fifteen-year-old Elsa Rubino, a resident of Biella who was injured during the incident. After a period of hospitalization in Zurich, where doctors officially announced the girl was out of danger, she was flown to Turin. Elsa was admitted to the specialized CTO center, and her return was accompanied by strong emotions from her family. In conversations with the media, the girl's mother emphasized her immense relief, noting that her daughter dreams only of returning to normalcy and meeting with friends. Italian President Sergio Mattarella also showed a gesture of solidarity by personally calling the teenager's father. Parallel to the victims' recovery process, the investigation into the causes and circumstances of the tragedy is progressing. Prosecutors have obtained new video footage that casts a shadow on the safety standards and work ethics of the establishment where the fire broke out. This material shows minors consuming alcohol, which could constitute significant evidence in the criminal proceedings against the owners and managers of the venue. Local authorities in Crans-Montana have also expressed a desire to join the proceedings as a party, aiming to protect the region's interests and image. Swiss mountain resorts like Crans-Montana have been pillars of the Valais canton's tourism economy for decades, but rigorous fire safety regulations were updated multiple times following tragic tunnel and hotel fires in the Alps in the early 21st century. On the political front, the case is causing unprecedented friction between Rome and Bern. Although the Swiss federal government approved the payment of 50,000 franc condolence payments for the victims' families,, Italian media and government delegations are openly criticizing the Swiss stance. Accusations of disrespect and overly slow procedures are being made. Italian diplomacy suggests the offered sum is merely "alms" that does not compensate for organizational errors on the part of the hosts.