> At a Glance
> – Crans-Montana bar Le Constellation hadn’t faced a fire inspection since 2019
> – Sparkling candles on Champagne bottles are blamed for igniting the ceiling
> – 40 party-goers died and 116 were injured on New Year’s Day
> – Why it matters: Gap in safety oversight may have left hundreds at risk during packed holiday event
A deadly New Year’s blaze at a Swiss resort bar has exposed a five-year hole in fire-safety oversight after officials admitted no inspections occurred between 2020 and 2025.
The Oversight Gap
Crans-Montana municipality revealed that Le Constellation last underwent fire checks in 2019. Periodic inspections simply stopped for the next half-decade, according to municipal chief Nicolas Féraud.
> “We regret this bitterly,” Féraud told reporters, adding that investigators will decide whether the lapse affected the tragedy.
Earlier reviews in 2016, 2018 and 2019 had requested modifications, yet none mentioned potential problems with the bar’s soundproofing.
What Ignited the Fire
Investigators believe sparkling candles placed atop Champagne bottles brushed against the ceiling shortly after 1:30 a.m., triggering the fast-moving fire. Officials are now examining:
- Whether ceiling soundproofing met regulations
- If the candles were allowed indoors
- How many revelers exceeded posted capacity
The bar’s licence listed 100 people for the ground floor and 100 for the basement, but detectives say the exact headcount that night may never be known.
Criminal Probe Under Way
Swiss authorities have opened a criminal case against two managers of Le Constellation on suspicion of:
- Involuntary homicide
- Involuntary bodily harm
- Involuntarily causing the fire
Across the border, the Paris prosecutor’s office launched its own probe to help nine French nationals who died-one just 14 years old-and 23 who were injured.
After-Action Measures
Féraud announced the town will:
- Ban indoor fireworks outright
- Hire an external agency to inspect bars and clubs
- Review inspection schedules to prevent future gaps
Identifying the Victims
Severe burns complicated identification, forcing families to submit DNA samples. By Sunday authorities had confirmed all 40 dead; on Monday they completed the list of 116 injured, who came from several countries.
Key Takeaways
- Crans-Montana officials skipped mandated fire inspections for five years
- Sparkling candles on bottles are blamed for igniting ceiling material
- Two bar managers face criminal charges of involuntary homicide and injury
- France opened a support probe for its citizens among the casualties
The revelation of missed inspections has shaken the resort community and intensified scrutiny of Switzerland’s fire-safety enforcement.
