Crans-Montana blaze exposes cracks in Switzerland’s image

The deadly New Year’s Eve fire in Crans-Montana has triggered unprecedented international media scrutiny, focusing both on the disaster itself and on Switzerland’s response. As further details emerge about the tragedy and the actions of authorities and owners, confusion and criticism in the foreign press appear to be growing. Swissinfo talked to international journalists covering the story. If no minors had died, the Italian media may have reacted differently and reported less intensively. But Switzerland now appears to be firmly in their crosshairs. A total of six Italians died among the 40 who lost their lives in the Le Constellation bar fire in the Swiss resort; another ten Italians are among the 116 seriously injured. “In Italy, there is a great cultural sensitivity towards young people; they are considered particularly worthy of protection,” says Giuseppe Guastella, who reported as a special correspondent for Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper from Crans-Montana. Carmelo ...