Overview
- Officials said Le Constellation had no mandatory fire-safety checks from 2020 to 2025, with the last recorded inspection in 2019 judged satisfactory for the venue’s size and materials.
- The New Year’s blaze killed 40 people and injured 116, with 83 still hospitalized; most victims were teenagers and all have been identified, some through DNA.
- Prosecutors are investigating the bar’s two managers for homicide, bodily harm and arson by negligence, and French authorities opened a parallel inquiry because French citizens were among the victims.
- Investigators say champagne sparklers likely ignited foam soundproofing on the basement ceiling; prior video shows staff warning patrons about the foam during earlier celebrations.
- Crans-Montana banned indoor sparkler candles, closed a related venue, and commissioned an external agency to inspect public establishments as Switzerland prepares a national day of mourning on Friday.