Fire Criminal investigation opened against bar operator in Crans-Montana VS

SDA

3.1.2026 - 15:35

The site of the fire has been cordoned off since New Year's Day. (archive picture)
The site of the fire has been cordoned off since New Year's Day. (archive picture)
Keystone

Following the fire disaster in Crans-Montana, the Valais public prosecutor's office has opened a criminal investigation against the bar operators. They announced this on Saturday.

Keystone-SDA

"They are accused of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and negligently causing a conflagration," it said in a press release. "We would like to remind you that the presumption of innocence applies until a final conviction is handed down."

The criminal investigation was opened on Friday evening based on the initial findings of the investigation. According to current information, the fire in the "Le Constellation" bar claimed 40 lives and injured 119 people, the majority of whom suffered serious injuries. The owners of the bar are a French couple.