Swiss mayor says ski-bar had no safety inspections for five years

Crans-Montana's mayor said the Le Constellation bar had not been inspected since 2019; a New Year's Day fire killed 40 people and left more than 100 injured.

A fire at the Le Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort on New Year's Day killed 40 people and injured more than 100. The town's mayor, Nicolas Féraud, said inspections had not been carried out at the venue since 2019. Authorities have opened a criminal investigation and the local council says it will audit venues in the area. Known details: - The mayor acknowledged periodic safety inspections were not conducted at the bar between 2020 and 2025. - Prosecutors reported the blaze was likely started by sparkler candles that ignited ceiling material in the bar's basement. - Forty people were reported dead; officials have identified the victims and many injured remain in hospital. - A criminal inquiry into the bar managers has been opened and the council announced a full audit of local venues; sparklers have been banned inside resort venues. Summary: The acknowledged lapse in inspections has prompted local authorities to launch audits and to participate in judicial proceedings already under way. Investigations and legal processes will determine responsibility and further steps, and the full outcome is undetermined at this time.