Nicolas Féraud, the President of the commune of Crans-Montana, was questioned on April 13 as part of the legal proceedings following the tragedy that occurred on January 1 at the Constellation. According to RTS, which obtained the interrogation transcript, Féraud leveled severe criticisms against the Office cantonal valaisan du feu (OCF).
Moral Responsibility and Legal Denial
Speaking as the first citizen of the commune, Féraud stated that he carries a “very strong” moral responsibility. Though, he maintained that he did not commit a fault, asserting that he was sincerely unaware of the safety failures.
During the proceedings, Féraud reiterated his request for “pardon” to the families of the victims. Despite this, reports indicate that after eleven hours of questioning, Féraud failed to convince the lawyers representing the victims.
Systemic Failures and Institutional Conflict
The lack of inspections became a central point of questioning for the three prosecutors and the lawyers present. Féraud argued that the OCF, as the superior control body, should have ensured that the requirements imposed on communes were being met.
Féraud suggested that the OCF was likely aware of a general lack of oversight across the canton. He noted We find at least 3,500 public establishments and claimed the OCF may not have received one-third of the required annual control reports.
Breakdown in Communication
The President further described the relationship between the commune and the OCF as “not really decent.” He characterized the OCF’s involvement in the fire safety tasks of the communes as “quasi non-existent.”
Féraud claimed that the commune sent annual reports prepared by the security officer to the OCF every year. He stated that the commune never received any remarks or acknowledgments of receipt from the office.
Potential Next Steps
The investigation may now shift toward verifying the claims regarding the OCF’s receipt of safety reports. Prosecutors could examine whether the alleged lack of oversight across the 3,500 public establishments constitutes a broader systemic failure.
Depending on the evidence, further legal actions could be taken to determine if the “quasi non-existent” involvement of the superior control body contributed to the tragedy. The findings may also influence how safety inspections are managed in Valais moving forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Nicolas Féraud questioned?
Nicolas Féraud was heard by prosecutors on April 13.
What is the required frequency for safety inspections in Valais?
Establishments in Valais must be controlled once per year.
What was the status of inspections at the Constellation?
The Constellation had not undergone a single security control since 2019.
Do you believe superior oversight bodies should be held legally accountable for the failures of local administrations?
