Swiss bar where New Year's blaze struck was last inspected in 2019

Crans-Montana officials said Le Constellation had fire safety inspections in 2016, 2018 and 2019 but no periodic checks were recorded from 2020 to 2025; investigators say the New Year's fire killed 40 people, injured more than 100 and a criminal probe into the bar managers is under way.

Local officials reported that the bar Le Constellation in Crans-Montana was last subject to fire safety checks in 2019, with inspections recorded in 2016, 2018 and 2019 but none logged between 2020 and 2025. Investigators say the New Year's fire is believed to have started when sparkling candles atop Champagne bottles came close to the ceiling, and they are examining whether ceiling soundproofing met rules and whether the candles were permitted. Authorities opened a criminal investigation into the bar managers on suspicions that include involuntary homicide and involuntary bodily harm. Municipal leaders said they have commissioned further independent inspections and banned indoor fireworks following the blaze. Key points: - Municipal records show inspections including fire safety were completed in 2016, 2018 and 2019, with no periodic checks recorded from 2020–2025. - Investigators reported that sparkling candles on Champagne bottles likely ignited material on the ceiling and are reviewing compliance of the ceiling material and the candles' permitted use. - Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into two bar managers on charges including involuntary homicide and involuntary bodily harm. - The municipality has said it will ban indoor fireworks and hire an external agency to carry out inspections of such venues. Summary: Officials say the lack of recorded periodic fire checks after 2019 is now under review and will be examined by judicial authorities as part of the inquiry into the New Year's fire. Investigators have reported the suspected ignition source and completed victim identifications, and a criminal probe into the bar's management is ongoing. Undetermined at this time