Swiss Authorities Open Criminal Investigation Following New Year's Eve Tragedy
Swiss police have launched a criminal investigation against the two owners of Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, where a devastating fire during New Year's Eve celebrations killed at least 40 people and injured 119 others. The owners face potential charges of manslaughter, negligent bodily injury, and negligent arson following what authorities are calling one of Switzerland's worst tragedies in decades.
The Investigation and Charges
The Valais cantonal police confirmed they have opened a criminal investigation against the bar operators, with prosecutors examining whether the establishment complied with safety regulations. 'The two are suspected of manslaughter, causing bodily injury through negligence, and causing fire through negligence,' stated police in their official announcement. The investigation will focus on multiple factors including fire safety compliance, presence of fire extinguishers, escape routes, and whether the maximum allowed number of visitors was exceeded.
According to police documents, the investigation began immediately after the fire was extinguished. Forensic teams have been examining the premises to determine the exact cause and whether safety violations contributed to the high death toll. 'We are looking at every aspect of this tragedy to ensure justice is served,' said a police spokesperson who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation.
The Tragic Event
The fire broke out around 1:30 AM on January 1, 2026, in the basement of Le Constellation bar in the popular ski resort town of Crans-Montana. Security footage shows the likely ignition source: celebrants holding champagne bottles with sparklers that came too close to ceiling materials, which then caught fire. The blaze developed almost immediately into an inferno, with only one staircase available for escape.
Emergency services deployed 150 personnel, 10 helicopters, and 40 ambulances to the scene, but the rapid spread of flames made rescue operations extremely difficult. The Wikipedia entry on the tragedy notes that the fire spread rapidly due to a flashover phenomenon and flammable acoustic foam, engulfing the venue within seconds.
Victim Identification and International Response
Police have identified the first four victims: four Swiss teenagers including a 21-year-old woman, a 16-year-old girl, and two boys aged 18 and 16. 'We have handed the bodies over to their families with the deepest respect and condolences,' authorities stated in their official release.
Of the 119 injured, 50 are being transferred to specialized burn centers in neighboring countries for treatment. The injured include citizens from at least nine countries: 71 Swiss nationals, 14 French, 11 Italian, 4 Serbian, and one each from Bosnia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, and Portugal. The nationality of 14 others remains unknown.
Identification of remaining victims has been challenging due to the severity of burns. 'Identification may take longer because many victims were completely burned,' police explained, noting that DNA and dental examinations are being used to identify the deceased.
Broader Implications and Safety Concerns
The tragedy has sparked nationwide discussions about fire safety regulations in Switzerland's entertainment venues. Crans-Montana, a popular ski resort in the Valais canton, attracts thousands of international tourists annually, particularly during holiday seasons.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin expressed deep dismay, calling the celebration that turned into tragedy 'one of the worst in our country's recent history.' The incident has prompted calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety codes and regular inspections of entertainment venues across Switzerland.
As the investigation continues, authorities have warned that additional charges may be filed as more evidence emerges. The case is expected to set important precedents for business owner liability in Switzerland regarding public safety obligations.