Swiss Bar Owners Under Investigation for Criminal Negligence Following Fire Incident

Valais public prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation into the operators of Le Constellation Bar in Crans Montana, Switzerland, following a tragic fire that occurred on New Year’s Eve.

In the wake of the initial inquiry by the Valais public prosecutor’s office, a criminal investigation was launched late Friday. The charges include negligent homicide, bodily harm, and negligent causing of a conflagration against the bar’s two operators, as confirmed by police in a statement.

The fire, potentially ignited by sparklers that set off the club’s soundproofing insulation, resulted in the deaths of at least 40 individuals and left 119 others injured. Many of the injured, including numerous teenagers, were transported to hospitals in neighboring countries for urgent care, as Swiss hospitals are currently operating at full capacity.

Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans emphasized the importance of providing optimal medical care and identifying the deceased during a press conference in Crans Montana on Saturday. By Sunday, 24 of the deceased had been identified, comprising Swiss, Italian, Romanian, French, and Turkish citizens aged between 14 and 39.

“The question of responsibility is paramount,” Jans stated, affirming the Federal Council’s complete confidence in law enforcement authorities, while refraining from further comments.

The ongoing investigation is scrutinizing various aspects of the incident, including the bar’s capacity, the accessibility of emergency exits, and the materials used in recent renovations. Chief prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud addressed these points during a press conference on Friday.

Read more: Swiss Resort Fire Victims Sent Abroad as Tragedy Investigated

Reports indicate that the bar, located in the Swiss ski resort of Crans Montana, is owned by a French couple. One of the owners, a woman, was present during the fire and sustained burns to her arm but survived, while her partner was not at the bar, according to French broadcaster BFMTV.

If the bar’s setup did not comply with Switzerland’s stringent fire protection regulations, it raises significant concerns regarding local oversight. The municipality is tasked with conducting regular inspections of the hospitality sector.

During a meeting on Saturday afternoon, the municipality of Crans-Montana decided to participate as a civil party in the criminal proceedings, as reported by national broadcaster SRF.

Photograph: Mourners commemorate deaths from fatal resort fire in Crans Montana, Switzerland; photo credit: Harold Cunningham/Getty Images.

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

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Fraud

Valais public prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation into the operators of Le Constellation Bar in Crans Montana, Switzerland, following a tragic fire that occurred on New Year’s Eve.

In the wake of the initial inquiry by the Valais public prosecutor’s office, a criminal investigation was launched late Friday. The charges include negligent homicide, bodily harm, and negligent causing of a conflagration against the bar’s two operators, as confirmed by police in a statement.

The fire, potentially ignited by sparklers that set off the club’s soundproofing insulation, resulted in the deaths of at least 40 individuals and left 119 others injured. Many of the injured, including numerous teenagers, were transported to hospitals in neighboring countries for urgent care, as Swiss hospitals are currently operating at full capacity.

Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans emphasized the importance of providing optimal medical care and identifying the deceased during a press conference in Crans Montana on Saturday. By Sunday, 24 of the deceased had been identified, comprising Swiss, Italian, Romanian, French, and Turkish citizens aged between 14 and 39.

“The question of responsibility is paramount,” Jans stated, affirming the Federal Council’s complete confidence in law enforcement authorities, while refraining from further comments.

The ongoing investigation is scrutinizing various aspects of the incident, including the bar’s capacity, the accessibility of emergency exits, and the materials used in recent renovations. Chief prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud addressed these points during a press conference on Friday.

Read more: Swiss Resort Fire Victims Sent Abroad as Tragedy Investigated

Reports indicate that the bar, located in the Swiss ski resort of Crans Montana, is owned by a French couple. One of the owners, a woman, was present during the fire and sustained burns to her arm but survived, while her partner was not at the bar, according to French broadcaster BFMTV.

If the bar’s setup did not comply with Switzerland’s stringent fire protection regulations, it raises significant concerns regarding local oversight. The municipality is tasked with conducting regular inspections of the hospitality sector.

During a meeting on Saturday afternoon, the municipality of Crans-Montana decided to participate as a civil party in the criminal proceedings, as reported by national broadcaster SRF.

Photograph: Mourners commemorate deaths from fatal resort fire in Crans Montana, Switzerland; photo credit: Harold Cunningham/Getty Images.

Copyright 2026 Bloomberg.

Topics
Fraud