Swiss bar where 40 people died in fire ‘had not been inspected for five years’

The mayor of Crans-Montana where 40 people died and 119 were injured in a nightclub fire has said the venue was not checked for five years.

Mayor Nicolas Ferauda admitted the Le Constellation Bar had no safety inspections carried out since 2019.

A blaze had spread the venue on New Year’s Eve, believed to have been caused by champagne sparklers igniting the sound-proof foam on the ceiling.

At least 40 people were killed, and another 119 injured as people crowded the one emergency exit to escape.

The majority of victims were teenagers as the club accepted over 16s.

Mayor Feruda said: ‘We are profoundly sorry. We did not have an indication that the checks had not been done

‘We regret that – we owe it to the families and we will accept the responsibility.’

He added the sound-proof foam was deemed acceptable at the time, and local authorities will now conduct a full audit of all venues in the area.

Owners of La Constellation Jacques Moretti, 49, and his wife Jessica, 40, were pictured renovating the bar themselves in 2015.

They have already been questioned by police and face manslaughter charges.

Footage shows the dimpled foam acoustic insulation on the ceiling catching fire before quickly spreading across the room.

Beatrice Pilloud, the attorney general for the Valais region, said: ‘We assume that the fire originated from sparklers attached to champagne bottles. From there, the ceiling caught fire.

‘We are also looking at what materials were used. The issue of emergency exits, fire extinguishers, and the bar’s occupancy is also being investigated.

‘Our investigation also includes the foam on the ceiling. It is still unclear whether any individuals will face criminal charges. However, it is possible that an investigation for negligent homicide will be initiated.’ 

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