Table of Contents
Crans-Montana Bar Blaze: Unveiling Years of Overlooked Safety Checks
In the aftermath of the catastrophic fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve-which tragically claimed 40 lives and injured over 100-officials revealed that the venue had not undergone the legally required safety inspections for five consecutive years.
Failure in Safety Oversight and Municipal Accountability
Mayor Nicolas Féraud publicly addressed the issue five days post-disaster, admitting that no routine safety evaluations had been performed from 2020 through 2025. “This lapse is deeply regrettable,” he remarked, pledging full transparency to honor the victims and support their families during this difficult time.
While the municipality acknowledges the inspection failures, Féraud clarified that determining the fire’s origin falls under the jurisdiction of investigative authorities. Preliminary findings suggest the fire ignited in the bar’s basement party area, triggered by sparklers affixed to champagne bottles that caught the ceiling’s soundproofing foam alight.
Inspection Gaps Amidst Resource Constraints
Although the bar underwent renovations in 2015, the mandatory annual safety inspections required by local law were neglected. Mayor Féraud expressed uncertainty regarding the cause of this oversight, highlighting that a limited team of five safety officers is responsible for monitoring over 10,000 buildings in the region, underscoring systemic challenges in enforcement.
Expressing heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, Féraud also affirmed that neither he nor his council members intend to resign, emphasizing their democratic responsibility to lead the community through this crisis.
Demographic Breakdown of Victims and Current Medical Status
The fire resulted in 40 fatalities, including 21 Swiss nationals, nine French citizens (two with dual nationality), six Italians, and one individual each from Belgium, Portugal, Romania, and Turkey. Victims’ ages ranged from 14 to 39 years, with an average age of 19; notably, half of those who perished were minors.
Authorities have accounted for all 116 injured individuals, comprising 68 Swiss, 21 French, 10 Italians, four Serbians, and four dual nationals. Presently, 83 victims remain hospitalized, many suffering from severe burn injuries requiring intensive care.
Reevaluating Safety Protocols and Implementing New Measures
Mayor Féraud noted that the soundproofing foam installed in the bar met safety regulations at the time of the last inspection. However, in light of the tragedy, the use of sparklers-commonly known as “Bengal fountains”-has been banned in all entertainment venues throughout the resort to mitigate fire risks.
Legal Actions and Continuing Investigations
Ongoing investigations target the bar’s owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who face charges including negligent homicide. Although they have not been detained, authorities have closed a second establishment under their ownership. The local government has fully cooperated by submitting all relevant documents and has joined the criminal proceedings as a civil party.
Commemorations and International Repatriation Efforts
The first group of foreign victims, consisting of five Italian nationals, was repatriated earlier this week. A memorial service is planned in Crans-Montana this Friday, with French President Emmanuel Macron expected to attend, highlighting the widespread international resonance of this tragedy.
