Italy files lawsuit in Swiss court over Crans-Montana tragedy, seeking compensation
Kyiv • UNN
Italy has filed a lawsuit in a Swiss court over the fire in Crans-Montana that killed 41 people. Rome is demanding compensation for the rescue operation conducted.
The Italian government has registered as a plaintiff in Swiss court proceedings regarding the fire at the Crans-Montana ski resort, which killed 41 people, including six Italian citizens. This was reported by Reuters, according to UNN.
Details
Rome stated that the decision to file the lawsuit is related to the costs the country incurred during the rescue operation and the treatment of the victims. The government emphasized that it mobilized "significant resources" of civil protection to assist its citizens.
The Italian side also points to the "extremely plausible" responsibility of local Swiss authorities for the incident. The statement emphasizes the need for compensation from all parties who may bear civil liability.
Tensions between countries over costs
The dispute between the countries escalated after Switzerland made demands to Italy for reimbursement of the costs of treating Italians injured during the fire.
Swiss prosecutors have opened criminal proceedings against the French owners of the bar where the fire occurred, as well as against a number of local officials. In particular, the Mayor of Crans-Montana admitted that the municipality had missed several annual safety inspections of the establishment.
Italy's Ambassador to Switzerland stated that the Italian side also provided assistance to injured Swiss citizens, including treating them in its hospitals and participating in rescue operations using helicopters, without demanding compensation.
Reminder
The tragedy, which occurred on January 1, claimed the lives of mostly teenagers and became one of the worst disasters in modern Swiss history.