No safety inspections at site of Swiss bar fire for past five years, mayor says

The mayor of Crans-Montana, Nicolas Féraud, has admitted that the bar that caught fire on New Year's Eve, killing 40 people and injuring over 100, had not been inspected for safety for the past five years. Féraud expressed deep regret and promised full transparency in the investigation. Authorities believe the fire started from sparklers held too close to the ceiling, which was clad with soundproofing foam. The municipality has joined the criminal proceedings and will contribute to establishing all facts.