Fireworks in Graz

Flame inferno: Did the authorities also fail?

The Stern restaurant in Graz is still closed after the devastating fire.(Bild: Sepp Pail)

The next bombshell after the New Year's Eve drama in the Stern Bar in Graz: the public prosecutor is now also investigating the fire police and the building and facilities authorities. Were the controls neglected? Abuse of authority is in the air!

Is the fire inferno in a bar in Graz also turning into a veritable scandal involving the authorities? As the "Steirerkrone" has learned, the devastating New Year's Eve fire in the city center bar Stern could possibly have been prevented! And could therefore have legal repercussions for several people: for the restaurateur, but also for the fire police and the building and facilities authority of the provincial capital.

Hair-raising shortcomings
But first things first: We revealed in our issue on Tuesday that the Graz public prosecutor's office is investigating the operator of the restaurant on suspicion of gross negligence causing death and negligent bodily harm. During the investigation, some hair-raising fire protection deficiencies were discovered in the completely destroyed restaurant. Escape routes were blocked and fire extinguishers had run out.

The Stern restaurant in Graz is still closed after the devastating fire.(Bild: Sepp Pail)

Now the next bombshell: investigations are now underway against those responsible for fire safety inspections in catering establishments in the city of Graz. Or rather: would have been responsible?

"We are interested in an investigation ourselves"
Specifically, it concerns the suspicion of abuse of authority (Section 302 of the Criminal Code), with which employees of the fire police and the building and facilities authority are now confronted. On Tuesday, the municipal authorities confirmed to the "Steirerkrone" that they had received a corresponding notification from the police, stating that they themselves were interested in clearing up the case and would cooperate with the judiciary.

Specifically, we are investigating the possible neglect of fire police inspections and whether various requirements were not met.

Hansjörg Bacher, Sprecher der Staatsanwaltschaft Graz

Local not inspected?
The "Steirerkrone" also received confirmation on Tuesday evening from Hansjörg Bacher, spokesman for the Graz public prosecutor's office: "We are specifically investigating the possible neglect of fire police inspections and whether various requirements were not met."

The restaurant's dining room was completely destroyed by the flames.(Bild: BF Graz)

In plain language, this means that the pubs may not have been inspected, even though the law would have required this! If convicted, those responsible could face a prison sentence of between six months and five years. The presumption of innocence applies to all.