Fire Federal Councillor Jans lays flowers in memory of the victims
Two days after the fire disaster in Crans-Montana VS, Federal Councillor Beat Jans laid flowers at the scene of the accident on Saturday afternoon in memory of the victims. "We are so sorry that this has happened," he told the international press.
03.01.2026, 16:02
03.01.2026, 17:57
SDA
Jans arrived visibly moved at the site of the disaster on Saturday afternoon, where Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani had also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims on Friday and President Guy Parmelin on New Year's Day. "Switzerland is deeply saddened," said Jans.
The shock of the immeasurable tragedy is deep. As the father of two daughters, he could only imagine the immeasurable suffering of the families and relatives. He wished the families much strength and assured them on behalf of Switzerland that they were not alone.
The head of the Federal Department of Justice and Police had first traveled to Sion to meet with the cantonal authorities. He was accompanied by Eva Wildi-Cortés, Director of the Federal Office of Police (Fedpol).
Jans also met with the commander of the Valais cantonal police, Frédéric Gisler, and the Attorney General, Béatrice Pilloud. He then went to Crans-Montana with them and the President of the Valais cantonal government, Mathias Reynard, and the Valais Director of Security, Stéphane Ganzer, where he laid flowers and signed a book of condolence.
In response to questions from journalists, Jans said it was "unbelievable" what must have happened in the "Le Constellation" bar on New Year's Eve. Jans took a look inside and described how you could still smell the fire.
It must have been 500 to 600 degrees on the ceiling of the bar. It was an "enormous tragedy", said Jans, adding: "We are so sorry that this has happened." The Swiss justice system would do everything possible to clarify the responsibilities. Later, the question will also arise as to whether there is a criminal offense and whether an application for additional victim support is needed.
Dossier on controls in the bar is being analyzed
The municipal authorities of Crans-Montana have meanwhile handed over the dossier on the checks in the "Le Constellation" bar to the public prosecutor's office, as the Valais authorities announced on Saturday. It is now being analyzed. The file was requested from the municipality, Pilloud said during Federal Councillor Jans' visit to the scene of the incident.
"No trace will be left unconsidered, all traces will be investigated," added the Attorney General. "This investigation was opened because we have suspicions, but as long as there is no conviction, the presumption of innocence applies," said Pilloud.
