Swiss ski bar not inspected for five years before deadly fire, officials say | BBC News

Switzerland Nightclub Fire – Investigation and Response

Key Concepts:

• Safety Inspections: Regular assessments of venues to ensure compliance with fire safety regulations.
• Soundproofing Foam: Material used for acoustic dampening, identified as a key factor in the fire’s rapid spread.
• Fire Safety Capacity: The maximum number of people allowed in a venue based on fire safety regulations.
• Fire Exits: Designated routes for emergency evacuation during a fire.
• Transparency & Accountability: The commitment of officials to openly address failures and accept responsibility.

I. Incident Overview & Initial Findings

A fire on New Year’s Day in Crown Montana, Switzerland, resulted in 40 fatalities. Investigations have revealed a critical lapse in safety oversight: no safety inspections were conducted at the affected bar, known as “Constellation,” between 2020 and 2025. The mayor of Crown Montana, Nicholas Folay, expressed profound regret for this failure and acknowledged the council’s responsibility. Immediate action has been taken to close another venue operated by the same managers. A ban on sparkler candles inside venues has also been implemented, as these are believed to be the ignition source of the fire.

II. Official Statements & Acknowledgement of Failures

Mayor Folay emphasized the council’s commitment to transparency, stating, “There hasn’t been any checks, any investigation, any auditing surrounding the constellation for 5 years. We presented that to the ministry. We regretting that. We owe it to the family and we will accept the responsibility.” He further explained that the council immediately sought to be transparent upon realizing the lack of inspections and is initiating a comprehensive review of all 128 establishments within the city council area. This review will be conducted by an external office to ensure impartiality and thoroughness. The tragedy has created “a sentiment of uncertainty” throughout the region, prompting the need for reassurance and a renewed focus on safety.

III. Detailed Investigation Points & Contributing Factors

Reporting from the scene, Nick Johnson highlighted several concerning factors:

• Refurbishment & Partial Audits: While the bar underwent a full refurbishment in 2015, including the basement area, and outdoor terrace checks were performed, the basement itself was not inspected during audit procedures.
• Soundproofing Foam: The soundproofing foam in the basement ceiling, while previously considered acceptable, is now central to the investigation due to its role in the fire’s rapid spread. Footage shows sparklers igniting the foam, leading to the swift escalation of the blaze.
• Recurring Practice: The use of sparklers on top of champagne bottles was a long-standing New Year’s Eve tradition at the bar, indicating a known risk that was not adequately addressed.
• Fire Alarm Requirements: Authorities admitted that a fire alarm was not required for the size of the bar, raising questions about the adequacy of existing regulations.
• Overcapacity: The bar was operating above its designated fire-safe capacity, a common issue at venues during peak events like New Year’s Eve.
• Fire Exit Concerns: The adequacy of fire exits – their number, accessibility, and clear signage – is under investigation, with reports of patrons struggling to evacuate via stairwells.

IV. Regulatory Gaps & Response Measures

The investigation has revealed multiple regulatory shortcomings:

• Lack of Inspections: The five-year gap in safety inspections is the most significant failure identified.
• Inadequate Fire Alarm Requirements: The absence of a mandatory fire alarm for the bar’s size is being questioned.
• Capacity Management: The bar exceeding its fire-safe capacity demonstrates a failure in enforcement of occupancy limits.

In response, authorities are implementing the following measures:

• Venue Closure: Another venue operated by the same managers has been closed.
• Sparkler Ban: Sparkler candles are now prohibited inside venues.
• Comprehensive Audits: All 128 nightlife establishments in and around Crown Montana will undergo full audits and safety checks.

V. Leadership & Accountability

Despite the acknowledged failures, officials have stated there is “no question of resigning,” asserting, “We do not leave a ship in the middle of a storm.” However, it is anticipated that families of the victims will demand greater accountability and potentially call for resignations.

VI. Synthesis & Main Takeaways

The tragedy in Crown Montana underscores the critical importance of consistent and thorough safety inspections, adherence to fire safety regulations, and proactive risk management in public venues. The five-year lapse in inspections, coupled with the use of flammable materials and overcrowding, created a catastrophic situation. The incident highlights the need for a re-evaluation of existing regulations, particularly regarding fire alarm requirements and capacity limits, and a commitment to transparency and accountability from authorities. The ongoing investigation and comprehensive audits are crucial steps towards preventing similar tragedies in the future.