Crans-Montana skipped five years of fire checks at the bar where 40 people burned to death
A fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana killed 40 people and injured more than 100 on New Year's night 2026, after sparkler candles ignited soundproofing foam on the basement ceiling, according to investigators. The commune, which regional authorities say is responsible for safety inspections, admitted that periodic checks of the bar were not carried out between 2020 and 2025; earlier inspections in 2016, 2018 and 2019 had requested changes. Commune president Nicolas Féraud said the council regretted this 'bitterly' and could not explain the gap, and in April 2026 told magistrates he had not known the checks had stopped. The Valais prosecutor has since widened the criminal investigation to 14 people, including current and former commune officials and employees, but no one has been charged or tried.
periodic checks were not carried out between 2020 and 2025
pourquoi, pendant six ans, il n'y a pas eu de contrôle
Un employé du service des constructions de Crans-Montana est désormais considéré comme prévenu dans l'enquête
Admitted periodic checks were not carried out between 2020 and 2025; 'we regret this bitterly'.
Told magistrates he did not know the bar's safety and fire inspections had stopped after 2019.
No outcome recorded yet.