Service door of Crans-Montana bar where 40 died in fire was locked from inside, owner says

Sunday, January 11, 2026- The tragic fire at a Crans-Montana bar that claimed 40 lives has taken a shocking new turn: the establishment’s service door was reportedly locked from the inside, according to the bar owner.

Investigators are now examining whether this restriction contributed to the scale of the disaster, raising urgent questions about safety protocols and emergency preparedness.

Authorities continue to piece together the timeline of events, while families of victims and survivors grapple with the devastating consequences. Fire safety experts note that locked exits in public venues can dramatically increase fatalities in emergencies, emphasizing the critical need for strict enforcement of safety regulations.

Local officials have called for immediate reviews of fire safety measures across the region’s nightlife establishments to prevent further tragedies.

The Crans-Montana incident is a stark reminder of the importance of emergency planning and building safety standards. As investigations continue, communities and policymakers face mounting pressure to implement reforms that could save lives, ensuring that such a catastrophic event is never repeated.