Swiss bar in deadly blaze missed five years of safety checks

A bar in the Swiss alpine resort of Crans-Montana that was destroyed in a deadly fire had gone without mandatory safety inspections for five years, local authorities have confirmed, as prosecutors launched a criminal investigation into the establishment’s management. The revelation has intensified public anger and raised broader questions about oversight and enforcement in one of Switzerland’s most popular tourist regions.

The fire, which broke out late at night at a busy bar frequented by seasonal workers and tourists, claimed multiple lives and left several others injured. Emergency services responded swiftly, but witnesses described chaotic scenes as smoke filled the venue and people struggled to escape. Investigators say the rapid spread of the blaze suggests serious deficiencies in fire prevention measures.

The mayor of Crans-Montana acknowledged that the bar had not undergone required safety checks since 2021. Speaking to local media, the mayor said municipal authorities were profoundly sorry and accepted responsibility for the failure to ensure regular inspections. He added that the lapse was unacceptable and promised a full review of inspection procedures across the municipality.

Swiss prosecutors have since opened a criminal probe focusing on the bar’s managers. The investigation will examine whether negligence, violations of fire safety regulations or failures in crowd management contributed to the deaths. Authorities are also assessing whether the venue was operating within its permitted capacity on the night of the fire.

According to preliminary findings, the bar lacked several basic safety features expected under Swiss regulations, including clearly marked emergency exits and adequate fire suppression equipment. Investigators are also examining whether flammable materials used in the interior design accelerated the fire. Final conclusions are expected to take months, as forensic teams continue to analyse the scene.

The case has triggered wider scrutiny of how safety regulations are enforced in ski resorts, where seasonal businesses often operate at high intensity during peak months. Industry experts warn that smaller venues can sometimes fall through regulatory gaps, particularly when responsibility is shared between local authorities and private operators.

Residents and business owners in Crans-Montana have expressed shock and grief, with many questioning how such a lapse could occur in a country known for strict safety standards. Some have called for independent audits of municipal inspection systems, while others are demanding harsher penalties for operators who fail to comply with regulations.

At the federal level, officials have said the tragedy will likely prompt a review of inspection frameworks, particularly for nightlife venues in tourist areas. While Switzerland’s safety laws are among the most comprehensive in Europe, enforcement relies heavily on local governments, which vary in resources and staffing.

For families of the victims, the focus remains on accountability and justice. Legal representatives say they will seek answers not only from the bar’s management but also from authorities responsible for oversight. Memorials have been placed near the site of the fire, with messages calling for reform and remembrance.

As investigations continue, the incident stands as a stark reminder that even in well regulated countries, failures in routine checks can have devastating consequences. The outcome of the criminal probe is expected to shape future policy and enforcement practices across Switzerland’s tourism sector.