Local authorities revealed on Tuesday that fire safety inspections had not been conducted for several years at a bar where a tragic fire during a New Year’s party resulted in 40 fatalities and over 100 injuries. Investigators suspect that the fire at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana was triggered by festive candles on champagne bottles coming into contact with the ceiling. The authorities are examining whether the ceiling’s soundproofing material met regulations and if the use of candles in the bar was authorized.
Swiss officials have launched a criminal inquiry into the bar’s managers, who are under suspicion of involuntary manslaughter, unintentional bodily harm, and causing the fire unintentionally, according to the chief prosecutor of the Valais region. The responsibility for safety inspections was with the municipality, as stated by regional authorities. The head of Crans-Montana’s municipal government, Nicolas Féraud, disclosed that inspections were carried out at Le Constellation until 2019.
However, Féraud acknowledged in a news conference that there were no periodic checks between 2020 and 2025, a discovery made by the local council post-fire. He expressed regret over this lapse and emphasized that the judicial authorities would determine the impact of this oversight on the chain of events leading to the tragedy.
Féraud admitted he could not provide an immediate explanation for the prolonged absence of safety inspections. An external expert had conducted a soundproofing analysis in September last year, confirming the bar’s compliance with anti-noise regulations without further comments.
The severity of burns made identifying some victims challenging, necessitating DNA samples from families. Investigators completed identifying the 40 deceased individuals on Sunday and confirmed all 116 injured persons by Monday. Reports from previous inspections indicated a maximum capacity of 100 people on each floor of the bar, but the exact number present during the fire remains unknown.
The investigation continues into the negligence of the bar owners, as highlighted in a recent news conference. The tragic event has sparked scrutiny over safety protocols and compliance at entertainment venues.