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Swiss authorities admit oversight failure in deadly bar fire
Crans-Montana officials revealed Tuesday that Le Constellation, the bar where a New Year's Day blaze killed 40 people and injured 116, had not undergone mandatory safety inspections since 2019. The admission came during a press conference led by Mayor Nicolas Feraud, who expressed deep regret but offered no explanation for the lapse.
Annual inspections mandated but missed
Under local regulations, venues like Le Constellation are required to undergo annual safety audits. Feraud acknowledged the failure, stating, "We regret that-we owe it to the families and will accept responsibility." He confirmed that the bar's last inspection occurred five years ago, despite a team of five officials overseeing more than 10,000 buildings in the municipality.
Sparklers banned; external audits ordered
Feraud announced an immediate ban on sparklers in Crans-Montana venues, citing their suspected role in igniting the fire after being held too close to the ceiling. Authorities will also hire an external contractor to inspect all 128 local establishments. When pressed about the delay, Feraud repeatedly stated, "I have no answer for you today."
Mayor resists resignation amid criminal probe
Despite calls for accountability, Feraud ruled out stepping down. "I'm not resigning, no, and I don't want to," he said. Swiss prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation, and Feraud indicated that judges would determine whether local officials face charges. The bar's managers, a French couple identified by local media as Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are already under investigation for manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson by negligence.
Overcrowding and flammable materials flagged
On the night of the fire, Le Constellation appeared to exceed its legal occupancy limit, a violation Feraud attributed to the managers. He also criticized the bar's use of soundproofing material on the ceiling, calling it "extremely negligent." When asked why authorities had not acted on pre-fire social media images showing sparklers near the ceiling, Feraud suggested no council members had seen the posts.
Key questions remain
Investigators are examining whether systemic failures contributed to the tragedy. The Valais prosecutors' office has not commented on potential charges against municipal staff, but Feraud's remarks underscored the community's demand for answers.
