Tragedy in Crans-Montana
On New Year's Eve, a fire broke out at the Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, resulting in the deaths of 40 people and injuring around 120 others. According to local authorities, fire safety inspections at this establishment had not been conducted since 2020, raising concerns among the public.
Among the deceased were individuals aged between 14 and 39 years, 15 of whom were under 18 years old. The victims of the fire were citizens of various countries, including:
- Switzerland
- Italy
- Romania
- Turkey
- Portugal
- France
- Belgium
- United Kingdom
- Israel
The mayor of Crans-Montana, Nicolas Feraud, stated that from 2020 to 2025, fire safety inspections did not take place and expressed his deep condolences regarding the situation. As of 2025, the municipality plans to conduct nearly 1500 fire safety checks.
Consequences of the Incident
The Le Constellation bar, which could accommodate over 300 guests, had not undergone inspections since 2020. As a result of the incident, 83 people were hospitalized, and a criminal investigation is currently focused on the couple who ran the establishment. This tragedy has sparked outrage in society and raised questions about safety in public catering establishments.
“This tragedy highlights the importance of regular fire safety inspections in public venues, especially those with large numbers of visitors.”
The lack of oversight in safety compliance can lead to catastrophic consequences, as seen in Crans-Montana. The authorities' reaction to the incident may lead to a reevaluation of existing safety norms and procedures in the country.