Swiss authorities have publicly conceded a critical failure in fire safety enforcement following a catastrophic New Year’s Eve blaze that claimed 40 lives at a popular Alpine nightclub. The admission came during an emotionally charged press conference led by Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud, who revealed that mandatory annual inspections at Le Constellation bar had not been conducted since 2019.
The tragedy, which unfolded in the early hours of January 1st at the southwestern ski resort, left 116 injured with 83 remaining hospitalized. Most victims were teenagers, with the average age of the deceased being 19. Preliminary investigation suggests the fire ignited when celebratory champagne bottles equipped with sparklers set aflame sound-insulating foam installed during 2015 renovations.
Mayor Feraud acknowledged the municipality’s failure to fulfill its legal obligation to conduct annual inspections from 2020 through 2025, stating, ‘We bitterly regret this.’ While inspections were properly completed in 2016, 2018, and 2019, the oversight was only discovered during document review for the ongoing criminal investigation.
The municipality has pledged full cooperation with judicial proceedings and announced immediate preventive measures, including comprehensive inspections of all public establishments and an indoor ban on pyrotechnic devices. French proprietors Jacques and Jessica Moretti face charges of negligent manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson.
Disturbing evidence emerged through archival footage from 2019 celebrations showing staff awareness of the hazardous foam, with an employee explicitly warning revelers about the danger. This revelation contrasts sharply with the municipality’s claim that renovations installing the flammable material didn’t require permits.
International response has been swift, with Switzerland declaring a national day of mourning. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to attend a memorial ceremony in Martigny, while the United Nations in Geneva will lower flags to half-mast in solidarity with victims from multiple nations, including Swiss, French, and Italian citizens.