Lawyers for the Moretti siblings, owners of the burned-down Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, have strongly condemned the wave of accusations and misinformation surrounding the brand. While prosecutors analyze new video footage allegedly proving alcohol service to minors, the injured 15-year-old Elsa Rubino has been transported to a clinic in Turin. In the background, a diplomatic dispute between Italy and Switzerland is escalating over the scope of a joint investigation into the fire.

Unique Concert Hall in Hamburg

The Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg is a unique building and simultaneously the new heart of this multi-million port city on the Elbe River in northern Germany.

From Old Warehouse to Architectural Marvel

The hall's history dates back to the 19th century when the imperial warehouse Kaispeicher A was built at the confluence of three canals. On its brick base stands a modern glass superstructure, shaped like the waves of the Elbe.

Acoustics at the Highest Level

The Great Concert Hall is based on the vineyard concept, where seats are arranged around the stage, with acoustics designed by the famous Yasuhisa Toyota.

Controversial but Ultimately Successful Construction

The construction was marked by excessive costs (from 77 to 866 million euros) and decades of difficulties, but today the hall is an indispensable symbol of Hamburg's culture.

The situation surrounding the tragic fire in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana is becoming increasingly tense, shifting the focus from rescue operations to a legal and diplomatic battle. Lawyers representing the Moretti family, which owned the Constellation venue, issued a statement condemning what they called a "public lynching." They emphasized that their clients are not fire safety experts and are victims of lies and hatred on social media. The defense maintains that the tragedy was an unfortunate accident, not the result of deliberate negligence by the owners, who themselves experienced trauma that fateful night. Simultaneously, investigators have obtained new evidence in the form of video recordings. These materials are said to confirm that alcoholic beverages were served to minors at the bar shortly before the fire broke out. This aspect is being examined for violations of minor protection regulations, which could constitute an additional aggravating factor in the broader criminal proceedings. The Italian embassy has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the Swiss side's rejection of proposals to establish a joint investigative team, which Rome believes could expedite the clarification of the causes of death of Italian citizens. Swiss fire safety regulations for public buildings are among the most restrictive in Europe, with enforcement falling under the responsibility of the cantons. The tradition of strict civil and criminal liability for property owners has a long history in Switzerland, dating back to building reforms following major city fires in the 19th century. A positive note in this dramatic story is the improvement in the health of 15-year-old Elsa Rubino. The girl, who sustained serious injuries in the fire, was declared out of danger by doctors in Zurich. On February 26, she was transported by a specialized medical flight to Turin, where she will continue treatment at the CTO clinic.

Mentioned People

  • Jasuhisa Tojota — Famous acoustics expert who designed the hall's sound properties.