Officials in Switzerland have revealed that a bar where a devastating fire killed 40 people on New Year's Day had not been subjected to a mandatory safety inspection for five years.
Mayor's Apology and Investigation Findings
Speaking at a press conference, the mayor of Crans-Montana, Nicolas Feraud, expressed deep remorse. "We are profoundly sorry," he told reporters, adding that local authorities "did not have an indication that the checks had not been done."
The municipality confirmed in a statement that it deeply regrets discovering "a failure to carry out periodic inspections" at the Le Constellation bar between 2020 and 2025. The last inspection occurred in 2019, with a report that noted no significant issues at the time.
Fire Cause and Immediate Consequences
The blaze, which erupted during New Year's celebrations, was blamed on sparkler candles. Mayor Feraud announced an immediate ban on such items inside venues following the tragedy.
The incident on 1 January resulted in 40 fatalities and 116 injuries. More than two-thirds of those injured remain hospitalised.
Authorities have taken swift action in the wake of the fire:
- Another venue managed by the same team behind Le Constellation has been closed.
- The managers are under formal suspicion by the Valais chief prosecutor for involuntary homicide, involuntary bodily harm, and involuntarily causing a fire.
Victims Identified and Community Impact
All victims of the fire have now been identified. Among them was 15-year-old Charlotte Niddam, a holder of British citizenship who also held Israeli and French nationality. She was a former pupil of Immanuel College, a private school in Hertfordshire.
Her family paid tribute on social media, stating: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful daughter and sister, Charlotte."
The investigation continues to examine all factors, including the use of soundproofing foam in the bar, which was deemed acceptable in the 2019 report.
