Monday, January 5, 2026- Swiss authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the managers of the Le Constellation bar in the ski resort town of Crans‑Montana after a devastating fire killed at least 40 people and left more than 100 injured during New Year’s celebrations.
Police and prosecutors in the Valais canton say the French couple who owned and managed the bar are suspected of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and causing a fire by negligence in connection with the tragedy. The blaze broke out in the crowded basement around 1:30 a.m. and rapidly engulfed the venue, with authorities still identifying victims in the days following the incident.
Early investigations suggest the fire may have been triggered when sparkler‑style candles attached to champagne bottles were raised too close to a foam‑covered ceiling, igniting the material and causing flames to spread quickly through the packed bar.
Officials are also examining whether fire safety regulations were properly followed at the venue, including compliance with rules on emergency exits, fire suppression systems, and crowd capacity. Families of victims and the broader public are demanding accountability as grief and anger over the scale of the tragedy continue to grow.
The bar’s managers have not yet been formally charged, and Swiss authorities emphasize the presumption of innocence until conviction, but prosecutors have made clear that the investigation will pursue all leads. The deadly blaze has sparked a national outpouring of mourning, with memorials and tributes at the site, and intensified scrutiny of safety practices in nightlife venues across the country.
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