Swiss bar fire victims to get solidarity payout

The Swiss government has announced an emergency payout of 50,000 francs ($65,000; £48,000) for the victims of the deadly fire at the ski bar resort of Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve.

The so-called solidarity contribution will go to each of the 115 injured and the families of the 41 who died, the Federal Council said.

Initial findings from the investigation suggest the fire at Le Constellation bar began as sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited soundproof foam that lined the ceiling of the bar's basement, which was packed with people.

Most of the victims of the fire were young - eight were under the age of 16 - and 58 people are still being treated in hospital for severe burns.

The announcement of the payout was made by Swiss President Guy Parmelin and Finance Minister Beat Jans.

They said the one-off sum would be in addition to the emergency aid of 10,000 francs offered by the regional government of the canton of Valais where Carns-Montana is situated and "intended to offer rapid, un-bureaucratic assistance to those affected".

The federal government is also pledging to provide funding of up to 20m francs in addition to facilitating talks between the victims, officials and insurers to reach amicable compensation agreements, Jans said.

"The Federal Council shares with the victims and their families the desire for truth and justice," Parmelin told a press conference.

"We, too, want to know what happened, why, and how it could have been prevented."

Local authorities have acknowledged that the bar had not undergone safety checks for five years.

The owners of the bar, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, have been accused of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence.

Criminal proceedings have also been brought against the municipality's head of public safety and a former council fire safety inspector.