Officials in Crans-Montana have revealed that the bar which caught fire at the Swiss ski resort on New Year’s Eve, killing 40 mostly young people and injuring over 100, had not undergone safety inspections for the past five years.
“We bitterly regret that periodic inspections were not carried out between 2020 and 2025,” the town’s mayor, Nicolas Féraud, told a press conference on Tuesday, five days after the tragedy at Le Constellation bar.
Féraud stated that determining responsibility for the fire was not the council’s role, saying, “That will be the job of the investigators.” However, he emphasized the municipality’s commitment to “full transparency,” adding, “We owe it to the victims and their families.”
Authorities believe the fire started in the crowded bar’s basement party room when sparklers attached to champagne bottles were held too close to the ceiling. Social media images suggest the ceiling was covered with soundproofing foam.
Féraud said he had “no answer” as to why the bar, renovated in 2015, had not been inspected annually as required by local bylaws. He noted that a team of five safety officers was responsible for checking more than 10,000 buildings.
“We’re profoundly sorry, and I know how hard that will be for the families,” Féraud added. He said he and fellow councillors would not resign, as they were “elected by the people of Crans-Montana” and would not “jump ship now.”
The final victims of the fire were identified on Sunday. The 40 deceased included 21 Swiss nationals, nine French citizens (two with dual nationality), six Italians, and one person each from Belgium, Portugal, Romania, and Turkey.
Authorities have not yet released the victims’ names, though several have been identified by their families. The victims ranged in age from 14 to 39, with 20 being minors and an average age of 19.
Police confirmed on Monday that all 116 injured individuals have been identified, including 68 Swiss citizens, 21 French, 10 Italians, four Serbs, and four dual nationals. Eighty-three people remain hospitalized with severe burns.
Féraud stated that the soundproof foam used in Le Constellation was considered acceptable during the last inspection. He added that sparklers, known as “Bengal fountains,” are now banned inside the resort’s venues.
Authorities are investigating the bar’s owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, on suspicion of crimes including negligent homicide. The mayor said the couple has not been arrested, but a second establishment they own has been closed.
The municipality announced on Monday that it has provided investigators with all relevant documents and joined the criminal proceedings as a civil party, allowing the town council to “actively contribute to establishing all the facts.”
The bodies of the first foreign victims, five Italians, were repatriated on Monday. Crans-Montana will hold a memorial ceremony for the victims on Friday, which French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs About the Mayors Statement on the Swiss Bar Fire
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What exactly did the mayor say
The mayor stated that there had been no official safety inspections conducted at the Swiss bar where the fire happened for at least the past five years
2 What is a safety inspection
A safety inspection is an official check by authorities to ensure a building follows codes for things like fire exits alarms electrical wiring and flammable materials
3 Why is it a big deal that there were no inspections
Regular inspections are meant to catch hazards before they cause a disaster The lack of inspections suggests potential safety problems might have been missed which could have contributed to the fires severity
4 Does no inspections mean the bar was automatically unsafe
Not automatically but it greatly increases the risk Without a professional check violations can go unnoticed by both the owner and the city
Advanced Practical Questions
5 Who is responsible for scheduling these inspections
Typically its a shared responsibility The citys inspection department has a duty to schedule and perform regular checks but business owners are also legally required to maintain a safe environment and may need to request certain inspections
6 What could cause a fiveyear gap in inspections
Possible reasons include understaffed city inspection departments outdated recordkeeping the bar falling through administrative cracks or a policy that only inspects upon complaint or renewal of a license
7 What are common safety violations inspectors look for in bars
Inspectors check for blocked or locked exits nonfunctioning fire extinguishers and alarms overloaded electrical circuits improper storage of flammable materials and lack of clear exit signage
8 What are the likely next steps after this statement
An official investigation into the fires cause will be a top priority There will also likely be an internal review of the citys inspection protocols and possibly calls for increased funding or staffing for the inspection department
9 As a resident what can I do if Im concerned about a local businesss safety
You can usually file an anonymous complaint with your citys fire prevention bureau or building department They can then trigger a forcause inspection
