Support for Crans‑Montana Fire Victims

The Swiss government will give a one‑time payment of 50, 000 francs (about $56, 000) to each person who was badly hurt or whose loved one died in the bar fire that happened on New Year’s Eve at Crans‑Montana. This gesture is meant to help families quickly, and it shows the country’s compassion for those affected. The Federal Council said that the money will go to anyone who lost a life or was hospitalized because of the blaze. They also want to find out exactly how the fire started and what could have stopped it, according to Swiss President Guy Parmelin.

Witnesses think the fire began when sparkling candles lit foam on the bar’s basement ceiling, and prosecutors are looking into it. In total, 115 people were injured, many of them teenagers and foreigners from France and Italy. To avoid long court cases, the government will hold a meeting with victims, insurers and officials to reach out‑of‑court agreements. They plan to contribute up to 20 million francs for these settlements and give an additional 8. 5 million francs to help the cantons cover extra costs. The move follows a study by the Federal Office of Justice that found gaps in how Switzerland supports people after large disasters.

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