Swiss ski resort bar had no safety inspection since 2019, mayor says

Prosecutors said a New Year’s Day fire that killed 40 people was likely started by champagne sparklers igniting soundproofing foam, and Crans-Montana’s mayor said the Le Constellation bar had not had a fire safety inspection since 2019.

The Le Constellation après-ski bar in Crans-Montana was the site of a fire during the early hours of New Year’s Day in which 40 people died. Prosecutors said the blaze was likely caused by champagne sparklers that ignited soundproofing foam in the bar’s basement ceiling. Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud said the venue had not undergone a fire safety inspection since 2019. He expressed regret and said officials had no indication that the checks had not been done between 2020 and 2025. Known details: - Forty people died after a fire broke out at the Le Constellation bar during the early hours of New Year’s Day. - Prosecutors reported that champagne sparklers likely ignited soundproofing foam in the bar’s basement ceiling. - Mayor Nicolas Feraud said the bar had not had a fire safety inspection since 2019 and said officials had not been aware the checks were missing for 2020–2025. Summary: Forty people were killed, and local officials have reported a probable cause and a lapse in recorded safety inspections. Undetermined at this time.