Crans-Montana tragedy: controversy after leaked emergency calls, legal action taken

Emergency services in the canton of Valais have filed a lawsuit following the unauthorized release of emergency call recordings from the night of the deadly Crans-Montana fire. This new controversy comes as the investigation into the tragedy, which claimed 41 lives on New Year's Eve, continues.

The Valais Cantonal Rescue Organization (OCVS) has confirmed that it has filed a criminal complaint against persons unknown for breach of professional secrecy, official secrecy, and data protection legislation. The recordings in question, revealed by a Swiss media outlet, include calls made on the night of the fire, some of which are unrelated to the blaze.

According to reports, these audio files were added to the court file without prior screening, then passed on to lawyers before appearing in several media outlets, including abroad. The OCVS (Office of the Commissioner for Social Action) particularly deplores the fact that conversations unrelated to the tragedy were made public, raising concerns about the handling of sensitive data.

The organization states that it is fully cooperating with the Valais public prosecutor's office, which is now tasked with investigating these leaks. However, it is refraining from any further comment due to the ongoing legal proceedings.

This case comes as hearings are scheduled to resume soon as part of the main investigation. The hearing of Jacques Moretti, co-owner of the burned-down bar and the main suspect, has been postponed after his defense submitted medical certificates.

The investigation aims to establish responsibility for this tragic fire, particularly regarding compliance with safety standards. Several local officials have already been implicated, while the municipality has acknowledged the lack of fire safety inspections at the facility for several years.