The tragedy in Crans-Montana raises many questions?Image: keystone
The whole world is watching Crans-Montana and expecting an independent criminal investigation. But can and does the canton of Valais also want to do this? Experts warn that pressure from abroad is growing.
01/06/2026, 05:26Jan 6, 2026, 5:27 am
Henry Habegger / ch media
The fire disaster in Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve has a significant international dimension. 66 of the total 156 victims (40 dead and 116 injured) come from abroad, most of them from France and Italy.
An angry post by Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini on
Not just the surviving victims and their relatives: the international public expects Switzerland to carry out an independent and ruthless investigation. It is expected that those responsible will be held accountable, regardless of whether they are bar operators from Corsica or community and cantonal officials from Valais.
There is great sympathy in Crans-Montana after 40 people lost their lives on New Year’s Eve.Image: keystone
These are fundamental questions
Why did the responsible authorities allow apparently highly combustible soundproofing panels to be installed? This could hardly have been a secret, as this renovation work was documented very openly on Facebook back in 2015. Was the conversion into a basement bar, which involved, among other things, tearing out walls and ceilings with an excavator, ever approved? The excavator driver wasn’t even wearing a helmet. Just the handling with occupational safety throws several Questions about professionalism arise.
The way in which this investigation is being handled in Valais is increasingly raising questions among experts. The public prosecutor’s office in the canton of Valais apparently wants to conduct the proceedings itself. Almost two days after the accident, she opened a criminal investigation against the French couple who ran the unfortunate bar. The charge is negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and negligently causing a fire.
The international pressure is increasing. On television in French-speaking Switzerland on Sunday, a victim’s lawyer criticized, among other things, the fact that the French operating couple had not been taken into custody. It could move to France, which would not hand over its citizens. Or that no house searches were carried out by the authorities responsible for fire protection and building permits in the municipality of Crans-Montana.
In Valais everyone knows everyone, the Valais felt is legendary. Can the own public prosecutor’s office under the comparatively inexperienced Attorney General Béatrice Pilloud (50), only in office since 2024 and previously an independent lawyer, withstand the pressure under these circumstances and actually investigate independently? Or isn’t there at least the appearance of bias?
The federal government’s hands are tied
Given the international implications, the Crans-Montana fire would actually be a case for the federal government. But the Code of Criminal Procedure does not provide for this: the federal government’s hands are tied. When asked, the Federal Prosecutor’s Office made it clear that it was “not concerned with this issue”. According to a spokesman, these are not crimes within the scope of federal jurisdiction. The cantons are responsible.
A former public prosecutor who himself investigated catastrophes made a similar statement. However, it is clear to him that the canton of Valais would actually have to go on strike.
“In this case, an experienced team of public prosecutors from outside the canton would definitely have to be deployed.”
“An extra-cantonal police group” is also needed for interviews and investigations. Mistakes in the investigation “can no longer be corrected” later.
The investigations are extremely demanding from a legal and criminal perspective, as they mainly involve crimes of omission. It must be clarified beyond doubt what should have been done to prevent the fire, what was actually done and who was responsible for any failure to do so.
According to the lawyer, very detailed interviews with the people in question are necessary. For members of the authorities or commissioned third parties, there are also questions about specifications, training and further education and responsibilities. In the Crans case, not only negligence but also possible intent must be examined: i.e. the question of whether a risk was consciously accepted, for example to save money – “in the hope that nothing would happen”. This is another reason why interviews without the risk of obscurity are of central importance.
Does Valais use prosecutors and investigators from outside the canton, as experts advise? CH Media’s questions regarding this matter to the government and public prosecutor’s office are pending.
Fedpol provides support to the Valais authorities
However, the federal government is not completely outside. The Federal Office of Police Fedpol was involved by the local emergency services from the start and asked for support, as spokeswoman Miriam Knecht confirmed upon request. Liaison persons and specialists were sent to Valais to support the Valais cantonal police. Fedpol has put the management infrastructure in Bern into operation and is supporting the cantonal authorities in the investigation, especially in obtaining information to identify the victims. Fedpol also ensures the exchange of information with foreign police authorities, informs the representations of the affected states and coordinates the protection of government representatives who have traveled there. (aargauerzeitung.ch)