Dialogos

Scandal in Switzerland Over Safety Lapses at "Le Constellation" Bar

Published January 7, 2026, 15:01
Scandal in Switzerland Over Safety Lapses at "Le Constellation" Bar

A Swiss official argues that regular safety checks should have been carried out on the soundproofing foam used at the "Le Constellation" bar in Crans Montana, which caused the fatal New Year's Eve fire with 40 deaths. This contradicts statements by the town's mayor, who said the bar hadn't been inspected since 2019, but the law didn't require inspection of the material itself. The head of security for the canton of Valais insists that regulations require checking such materials. The dispute concerns responsibility for the tragedy and compliance with safety protocols in Switzerland, which is known for its strictness.