Swiss NYE fire: Bar had not been inspected for 5 years
dw.com••world
Key Points:
- Swiss authorities admitted to failing to conduct mandatory fire and safety inspections at a Crans-Montana bar between 2020 and 2025, where a deadly fire killed 40 people.
- The blaze reportedly started when sparkling candles on Champagne bottles ignited material near the ceiling during a New Year’s celebration.
- A criminal investigation is underway targeting the bar managers for suspected involuntary homicide, bodily harm, and causing a fire, though no arrests have been made.
- Authorities have revoked the operating license of a second restaurant owned by the same group and plan to hire external experts to inspect all public venues, while banning indoor pyrotechnics.
- The fire resulted in 40 deaths, mostly young people with an average age of
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