Switzerland waives medical costs for 12 Italian fire victims

The Swiss government will waive the medical costs for 12 Italian victims treated in Swiss hospitals after the Crans-Montana fire.

The fire happened in a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year's Eve and killed 41 people and injured 115.

Under the usual rules, each country pays for medical care given abroad to people insured in its system, but the rules allow exceptions.

The Swiss government said it was recognising the help and solidarity Italy gave after the fire, including free assistance with moving injured people across borders.

The decision follows months of tension after Italian families received copies of large hospital bills, though Swiss officials had said families would not have to pay them.

Italian leaders welcomed the decision, and Italy will not be asked to repay the treatment costs covered by the waiver.

The criminal investigation into the fire is still continuing.