Swiss Bar Blaze: Years-Long Gap in Safety Inspections Revealed

Officials have confirmed that fire safety checks had not been conducted for several years at a bar that became the scene of a tragic New Year's blaze, which resulted in the deaths of 40 individuals and injuries to over 100 partygoers.

Investigative teams suspect that the fire at Le Constellation, located in the resort town of Crans-Montana, may have started when flames from candles accidentally came too close to the ceiling. Authorities are currently assessing whether the ceiling's soundproofing materials adhered to current safety rules and investigating the allowance of candle use within the venue.

Two people are facing charges of involuntary manslaughter, negligent bodily harm, and accidental fire inception, according to the chief prosecutor in the Valais region. The accountability for safety inspections, as emphasized by local government, lies with the municipal authorities.

In statements released by Crans-Montana's municipal office, it is revealed that Le Constellation's fire safety inspections last took place in 2016, 2018, and 2019. Despite recommended updates, no immediate concerns regarding soundproofing were noted at that time.

Upon reviewing documents after the blaze, the local council discovered that scheduled safety checks had been missed between 2020 and 2025, explained Nicolas Féraud, the head of Crans-Montana's municipal government, during a press conference.

Expressing profound regret, Féraud stated, "The judicial authorities will ascertain the role that the absence of these inspections may have played in this tragedy. We offer our sincerest condolences to the affected families and are prepared to shoulder our responsibilities."

Féraud described a prevailing sense of insecurity that has engulfed the community, assuring that measures are underway to restore public confidence.

There is yet to be a definitive explanation from Féraud regarding the prolonged lapse in safety evaluations. However, last September, an independent specialist confirmed that the bar's soundproofing met the noise reduction standards but flagged no additional concerns.

Due to the severe burns, identifying the bodies of some victims, whose deaths occurred in the early hours of New Year’s Day, required DNA samples provided by their families.

Following Sunday’s tragic incident, all 116 injured individuals were identified by Monday, according to the investigative team.

According to inspection documentation, the maximum allowed capacity for Le Constellation's ground floor is 100 people, with an additional 100 permitted in the basement. Authorities remain uncertain of the exact number of individuals present during the fire.

In response to these events, the bar owner, who received a permit in 2015 for building a veranda and performed interior modifications not requiring additional permits, will face increased scrutiny. The municipality has since prohibited indoor fireworks and plans to enlist a third-party agency for conducting future venue inspections.