Swiss Bar Fire: Lack of Safety Inspections Under Scrutiny
A devastating fire broke out at the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana on New Year's Eve, resulting in 40 fatalities and 116 injuries. According to authorities, the bar had not undergone a fire safety inspection for five years, leading to growing accusations of lax oversight.
Background and Context
The Le Constellation bar, a popular spot in Crans-Montana, was packed with revelers celebrating the incoming year when a fire erupted, causing chaos and resulting in a significant loss of life. The fire reportedly began around 1:30 am on January 1, 2026. According to preliminary evidence, sparkler candles placed on champagne bottles too close to the ceiling likely ignited the blaze.
Lack of Oversight
Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud admitted that despite over 1,400 fire inspections being carried out in the municipality in 2025 alone, checks had not been conducted at Le Constellation since 2019. The municipality deeply regretted discovering this oversight, especially in light of the tragic consequences.
Jacques Moretti, the owner of the bar, insisted that safety norms had been followed and that the establishment had faced three inspections in 10 years
. However, these claims contrast with the statements issued by local authorities, which indicate the last inspection occurred in 2019.
Repercussions and Investigations
In the aftermath of the fire, Swiss authorities launched a penal investigation against the bar's French managers on suspicion of homicide by negligence. They are also scrutinizing the country's safety regulations, particularly regarding fire safety inspections.
Survivors of the catastrophic fire are being treated in special burns units across Europe, with some of the injured taken to Belgium, France, and Germany. Swiss officials have managed to identify all the victims, a process complicated by the severity of the fire's impact.
International Response and Current Status
The tragic incident has reached international attention, with an Australian among the injured receiving consular assistance. Additionally, France agreed to accept eight additional injured individuals.
In response to the disaster, hundreds of people marched in silence to honour the victims, while families shocked by the revelation of the missed inspections expressed their grief and outrage. In a bid to prevent similar incidents, Crans-Montana's mayor has since banned sparkler candles.
As the town grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical role of safety regulations and inspections in preventing such devastating events.