The mayor of Crans-Montana has admitted that the popular luxury ski resort bar destroyed by fire had not undergone any safety checks for five years, calling the failure a source of “profound regret” as families of victims demand answers. Around 40 people lost their lives in the tragedy, including several teenagers aged 14 and 15.
Mayor Nicolas Feraud said Le Constellation bar had not been inspected, audited or investigated during that period, despite legal safety requirements, telling a news conference,
We regret that—we owe it to the families and we will accept the responsibility.
Details on these findings have been formally presented to the government, he added.
Feraud explained that just five officials are responsible for safety checks across more than 10,000 buildings in the area, including hotels and restaurants. He said the council chose to be transparent as soon as it became aware of the oversight and has ordered a full audit of venues to prevent a repeat.
Asked why the bar had gone unchecked for so long, the mayor said: “I have no answer for you today.” He ruled out resigning, insisting local leaders must remain in place to support residents.
Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the fire. Feraud said it would be “down to the judges” to decide whether the council would be implicated, adding that the municipality also considers itself a victim in the case.
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