Yesterday afternoon, the three friends who witnessed their friend fall to his death from the Brevent gondola, were released from custody. In the reconstruction of the drama, the three friends explained their version. Apparently the victim and another man of 80 kilos were seated opposite each other next to the window which ceded. During the descent they pushed against the side which gave way. Antoine Laurent fell completely out of the gondola, while Frédéric was held by his feet by his brother who managed to help him back inside. Although the group was a bit rowdy in the gondola after having consumed alcohol, and did not respect the security warnings by not remaining seated, the prosecutor's office no longer believes the group intended their friend's death. However tests made on identical gondolas, contradicted the lift operator's claim that only a very violent force could cause the side plexiglas window to break. In two tests, the plexiglas broke when only an average force was applied. Now the responsibility may be shifted toward the Suisse CWA, the company which renovated the gondola system in 1992. As normal use is not under investigation, the Brevent gondola remains open.
