Italy Demands Compensation From Switzerland Over Crans-Montana Fire Victims
Italy Seeks Legal and Financial Redress After Deadly Ski Resort Fire
Italy Registers as Plaintiff in Swiss Legal Proceedings
ROME, April 29 (Reuters) - Italy's government said on Wednesday it had registered as a plaintiff in Swiss legal proceedings for the fire which killed 41 people at the Crans-Montana ski resort, including six Italian nationals.
Background: Tensions Over Medical Costs
The move follows tensions between the two countries over the New Year's Eve incident, most recently over Swiss demands to claim back from Italy the cost of medical treatment for Italians wounded in the fire.
Legal Action and Compensation Claims
Justification for Legal Action
The legal action, which would put Italy in line to receive financial compensation, is justified by the "significant resources" mobilised by the national Civil Protection to assist Italian victims, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's office said.
Liability of Swiss Local Authorities
It is also based on the "extremely plausible" liability of Swiss local authorities, "justifying the firm demand for compensation against all parties civilly liable," the Italian government said in its statement.
Swiss Investigation and Local Accountability
Criminal Investigations Launched
Swiss prosecutors have launched criminal investigations into the French owners of the bar, as well as a number of local officials including the mayor of Crans-Montana, who admitted that his municipality missed multiple annual safety checks on the establishment.
Italy's Humanitarian Response
Support for Swiss Victims
Medical Treatment and Rescue Operations
The Italian ambassador to Switzerland has noted that Italy treated Swiss patients injured in Crans-Montana in one of its hospitals, and contributed to rescue operations with a helicopter, without asking for any money.
(Reporting by Alvise ArmelliniEditing by Keith Weir)
