AXA Switzerland provides public liability insurance for the municipality of Crans-Montana and business liability insurance for the bar «Le Constellation,» the insurer said in a statement released on Thursday evening. Both had taken out standard, industry-typical insurance policies with contractually limited coverage sums with AXA. The insurer did not disclose the maximum amount of these obligations.

AXA expressed deep dismay at the immeasurable suffering endured by the victims of the Crans-Montana fire and their families. «We extend our deepest sympathy to all those affected,» the company stressed.

Commitment to Fully Meet Obligations

Who is ultimately liable for the damage caused can only be assessed once the ongoing (criminal) investigation has been completed, the statement said. AXA emphasized that it will, of course, fully meet its obligations as an insurer. It is also clear that, in the event of liability, the insurance sums of the municipality and the bar will fall far short of covering all financial losses suffered by the surviving victims and the bereaved. AXA is working closely with the authorities and the institutions involved and has pledged its full support.

The company further underlined that the victims and their relatives are its top priority. «The aim is to support them as best as possible in this situation and to alleviate their suffering wherever possible,» the statement said.

Defining Sustainable Solutions Together

AXA has proposed establishing a round table. Ideally under the leadership of the federal government, all parties involved—including representatives of the victims and the public authorities, as well as the liability, property, accident and health insurers concerned—would work together to define pragmatic and long-term sustainable solutions to cover the financial losses of the surviving victims and the bereaved.

AXA has offered to support such a round table with its expertise and experience in dealing with catastrophic events. «The task now is to stand together and, by joining forces, ensure that those affected by this tragedy receive help as quickly and as straightforwardly as possible».

Medical Care Secured

The insurer also pointed out that medical care for those affected is fundamentally secured regardless of liability. For people resident in Switzerland, the social insurance schemes that are required to make advance payments—including AXA’s accident insurance—will cover the costs.

Social insurers that are obliged to make advance payments may subsequently recover all or part of the costs incurred from the parties liable, the statement added. For losses not covered by social insurance (such as claims for moral damages), victims have the option of submitting an application for victim assistance under the Victim Support Act.