Swiss bar in deadly blaze had missed six years of safety checks

The Swiss bar where 40 people were killed in a fire at the New Year had not been subjected to any annual safety inspections since 2019, the mayor of the ski resort of Crans-Montana says.

Swiss authorities have been searching for explanations for the blaze, which tore through the “Le Constellation” bar in the early hours of January 1. Most of the victims were teenagers.

“We are deeply sorry. We had no indication that the checks had not been done as requested,” Crans-Montana Mayor Nicolas Feraud tells reporters, adding that bars in the town are meant to have such inspections each year.

Prosecutors have said the fire was likely caused by sparkling candles igniting the ceiling of the bar’s basement, which was covered in a foam material used for soundproofing.

A video from New Year’s Eve 2019-2020 shared by Swiss broadcaster RTS showed revelers carrying similar sparklers in bottles as a waiter warns: “Watch out for the foam!”