Swiss authorities have intensified their probe into the New Year’s Eve fire at the Le Constellation nightclub in Cran-Montana, which killed 41 people and injured 115. The public prosecutor’s office of the canton of Valais has opened a criminal investigation against five current and former officials from the Cran-Montana municipality—including Mayor Nicolas Ferro—over alleged negligence related to fire safety oversight.
Nine Individuals Now Under Investigation
The probe, initially targeting five individuals, has since expanded to include nine people. Among them are the club’s owners, the municipality’s head of safety services, and his predecessor. Charges under consideration include negligent homicide, negligent arson, and causing serious bodily injury through negligence.
“No Safety Inspections Between 2020 and 2025”
The Cran-Montana municipality has acknowledged serious lapses in its enforcement of mandatory periodic fire and safety inspections at the venue. In a press conference shortly after the tragedy, Mayor Nicolas Ferro admitted: “No periodic safety inspections were carried out between 2020 and 2025. We deeply regret this.”
Investigators believe the fire began when fireworks sparks ignited acoustic foam panels on the basement ceiling—a highly flammable material installed during renovations. Although the same material had been deemed acceptable during a 2019 inspection, no follow-up checks were conducted over the following five years. Ferro confirmed that local safety officials did not consider the foam a priority for re-evaluation, stating: “No inspection was ever carried out on this acoustic foam. Our safety officers did not deem it necessary.”
Notably, the club’s bar size meant installation of a fire alarm system was not legally required at the time—another factor contributing to the delayed detection and rapid spread of the blaze.