Swiss Ski Bar Not Inspected for Five Years Before Deadly Fire, Mayor Confirms
Authorities have revealed that the Swiss ski bar, Le Constellation, where a devastating fire claimed 40 lives and injured 116 individuals, had not undergone safety inspections for five years. Mayor Nicolas Feraud of Crans-Montana addressed this shocking oversight during a press conference on Tuesday, expressing his deep regret and responsibility for the situation.
Key Points from the Mayor’s Statement
– The bar hadn’t been inspected since 2019, despite annual safety checks being standard procedure.
– Mayor Feraud stated, We regret that—we owe it to the families—and we will accept the responsibility.
– As an immediate response, the use of sparklers, believed to have ignited the fire when raised too close to the ceiling, will be banned in local establishments.
– An external contractor will now be hired to audit and inspect all 128 venues in the area to ensure compliance with safety standards.
The Circumstances Surrounding the Fire
– The bar was reportedly over capacity on the night of the fire, with a maximum legal limit of 200 people. The emergency exit design only accommodated 100 individuals on each of its two levels.
– There is uncertainty regarding the operational status of the basement-level exit at the time of the fire.
– Swiss prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation into the bar’s managers, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, on suspicions of negligence leading to manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson.
Igniting the Investigation
– The fire reportedly started during New Year’s celebrations when partygoers lit sparklers attached to champagne bottles, igniting soundproof foam on the ceiling, a practice caught on footage that raised alarms back in 2019.
– Feraud noted that the council had likely not seen the footage at that time, expressing regret that it hadn’t been brought to their attention earlier.
Safety Inspection History
– Inspections of Le Constellation were last conducted in 2016, 2018, and 2019.
– Mayor Feraud explained that the bar’s owners renovated the facility in 2015, claiming no permit was necessary for the installation of the sound insulation foam.
– There were never any checks on this soundproofing foam. Our security agents did not consider it necessary, Feraud asserted.
Moving Forward
The tragic incident highlights significant flaws in the local safety inspection system, particularly a lack of adherence to fire safety regulations. While the cantons set safety standards, it falls on local authorities to enforce them. The absence of inspections from 2020 to 2025 raises serious questions about the oversight in Crans-Montana.
Conclusion
The heartbreaking events surrounding the fire at Le Constellation serve as a wake-up call for authorities regarding safety inspections and public venue regulations. As investigations continue, the town remains committed to preventing such tragedies in the future by reassessing its safety protocols and practices.