Swiss authorities have acknowledged serious regulatory failures after confirming that Le Constellation, a bar located in the popular ski resort of Crans-Montana, had not undergone a mandatory fire safety inspection for five years before a devastating New Year’s Day fire claimed 40 lives. The admission has intensified public outrage and grief, prompting local officials to impose an immediate ban on the use of sparklers and similar ignition devices inside all venues across the town.
The deadly fire broke out in the early hours of January 1 in the basement of Le Constellation, injuring at least 116 people and killing dozens, many of whom were teenagers as young as 14. Victims had travelled to the Alpine resort from several European countries to celebrate the New Year, turning what was meant to be a festive night into one of Switzerland’s worst nightlife tragedies in recent memory.
Investigators believe the blaze was sparked when decorative sparklers, commonly attached to champagne bottles during celebrations, were raised too close to the ceiling. These ignited sound-proofing foam installed overhead, causing flames to spread rapidly through the confined, crowded basement space, leaving little time for escape.
Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud confirmed that no fire safety inspections were conducted at the bar between 2020 and 2025, despite local rules requiring annual checks. He said the last inspection took place in 2019 and was deemed satisfactory at the time, adding that officials then considered the foam ceiling material acceptable and concluded that a fire alarm was not mandatory due to the venue’s size.
Feraud admitted that the absence of follow-up inspections went unnoticed by the authorities. He acknowledged that the sound-proofing material was never reassessed and that municipal safety agents did not consider further checks necessary, an oversight that has now come under intense scrutiny.
Prosecutors believe the highly flammable ceiling material played a central role in allowing the fire to spread quickly. As a precautionary step based on early findings, local authorities have banned sparkler candles and similar devices from all indoor venues. Investigators are also examining whether the foam used complied with fire safety standards and whether it was suitable for use in an enclosed underground setting.
Officials revealed that the building housing Le Constellation was originally constructed in 1977 and that the bar underwent an expansion in 2015, when the owner received approval to add a covered outdoor terrace. While inspectors assessed the external extension after it was completed, they did not review any internal modifications made at the time, including potential changes to materials or layout inside the venue.
Swiss prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into the two individuals who operated the bar, suspecting offences that include homicide by negligence. Authorities have stated that arrests have not yet been made, as there is no immediate risk of the suspects fleeing and investigations are ongoing. Another venue run by the same owners has also been shut down as a precautionary measure.
In parallel, French prosecutors have opened a separate inquiry to coordinate with Swiss authorities, a routine step given that several French nationals were among the victims. This cross-border cooperation aims to streamline evidence-sharing and legal processes.
Mayor Feraud said the local council has formally informed higher authorities about the inspection failure and has accepted institutional responsibility for the lapse. He expressed regret, saying the municipality owes accountability to the victims’ families and the public.
He also highlighted systemic challenges, noting that just five inspectors are responsible for overseeing more than 10,000 buildings in the area, including hotels, bars and restaurants. In response to the tragedy, the council has ordered a comprehensive audit of all venues in Crans-Montana and announced plans to tighten safety oversight, expand inspections and review enforcement practices.
The disaster has triggered widespread mourning across Switzerland and beyond, alongside growing anger over how a packed New Year’s celebration was allowed to proceed in a venue that had not been subjected to fire safety checks for half a decade.
