On January 8, 2026, the legal battle surrounding the Le Constellation bar fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, officially escalated. Families of the victims have filed a formal criminal complaint with the Valais prosecutor’s office, aiming to hold all responsible parties accountable for the disaster that claimed 40 lives and injured 116 people.
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The families, represented by attorney Romain Jordan, have been granted plaintiff status in the ongoing criminal proceedings. While the investigation currently focuses on the bar’s owners (a French couple), the families are calling for a broader look at potential systemic failures.
The owners face potential charges of:
- Homicide by negligence
- Involuntary bodily harm
- Negligent arson
Critical Failures Under Investigation
Investigators are piecing together a “perfect storm” of safety violations that turned a celebration into a catastrophe:
- The Ignition: The fire was triggered around 1:30 AM on New Year’s Day when pyrotechnic “fountain candles” on champagne bottles ignited acoustic foam on the ceiling.
- The “Flashover” Effect: The ceiling materials caused the fire to spread with extreme speed, trapping dozens of young patrons inside.
- Lack of Oversight: Local authorities have admitted the venue had not undergone a fire safety inspection since 2019, raising serious questions about municipal liability.
- Overcrowding: Though the capacity was set at 200, eyewitness reports suggest the bar was significantly over-capacity at the time of the blaze.
International Reach
Summary Table
| Statistic | Detail |
| Location | Le Constellation Bar, Crans-Montana, Switzerland |
| Casualties | 40 Deceased, 116 Injured |
| Primary Suspects | The Bar Owners (French nationals) |
| Key Negligence | Use of pyrotechnics indoors and expired safety certificates |
