Crans-Montana Bar Fire: Mayor Admits Five-Year Inspection Lapse as Probe Points to Pyrotechnics

Overview

• The New Year’s Eve blaze at Le Constellation killed 40 people and injured 116 after starting around 1:30 a.m. on January 1.
• Evidence cited by the Valais prosecutor indicates candles attached to champagne bottles likely triggered a rapid conflagration near the ceiling.
• Two French managers are under criminal investigation on suspicion of negligent homicide, culpable bodily harm and negligent arson, with no preventive detention ordered.
• The mayor acknowledged that required safety inspections were not conducted from 2020 to 2025, and the municipality has banned pyrotechnic devices in indoor venues and will hire external inspectors.
• Police said all 40 victims have been identified, many of the injured remain hospitalized, and cantonal authorities pledged financial and psychological support for families.