(Crans-Montana, February 9, 2026) — A family severely impacted by the January fire at the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana is facing additional hardship after being fined by Swiss Federal Railways (CFF) for traveling without tickets during an emergency.
A family whose daughter sustained severe burns in a Swiss bar fire was issued fines while rushing to her hospital bedside, sparking criticism of the railway’s response.
- Alexia, 70% burned in the Constellation bar fire, is hospitalized in Germany.
- Her family was fined 351 CHF (approximately 383.63 euros) each for traveling without tickets after their car broke down.
- Despite explaining the emergency, the CFF rejected their appeal for cancellation and offered only a small discount.
- The family’s lawyer has criticized the CFF’s lack of compassion.
Alexia’s family faced a desperate situation on January 13, 2026, when their vehicle broke down near Basel as they rushed to be with their daughter, who was critically injured in the fire at the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, according to reporting from RTL.
Forced to continue their journey by train without valid tickets, the family explained their circumstances to a CFF controller. Despite their explanation, each family member was fined 351 CHF (approximately 383.63 euros), RTL reported. Their subsequent appeal for cancellation, citing the urgency of the situation, was rejected by the SBB litigation department, which offered a discount of only 40 CHF (approximately 43.72 euros).
A Request for Assistance Went Unanswered
The family, facing financial hardship, also requested transport vouchers from the railway company to facilitate visits to their daughter in the hospital, but their request was denied, according to RTL.
Their lawyer, Me Christophe de Galembert, denounced the CFF’s decision to RTL, stating that the railway showed “no compassion in relation to the terrible tragedy which struck them.” “The reaction of the CFF, which is a public company largely financed by the Confederation, is unacceptable. The absence of compassion and the slightest concern raises questions,” he said.
Me de Galembert is requesting the cancellation of the fines and the issuance of Lausanne-Cologne transport vouchers for each family member for the duration of Alexia’s hospitalization.
CFF Cites “Equal Treatment” in Decision
In an email reviewed by RTL, CFF customer service expressed “its warmest support” to the family and those affected by the tragedy in Crans-Montana. However, the CFF justified its decision to uphold the fines, stating a need for “concern for equal treatment towards other people and families affected by other tragedies,” despite acknowledging “the emotion aroused by this event.”
Why It Matters
This case highlights a potential conflict between strict adherence to regulations and the exercise of discretion in the face of extraordinary circumstances. While the CFF defends its decision based on principles of fairness, the incident has sparked public debate about the importance of compassion and flexibility, particularly when dealing with individuals experiencing profound personal crises. The family’s plight underscores the financial and emotional burdens faced by victims of tragedy and raises questions about the social responsibility of public institutions.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by RTL and added independent analysis and context.
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