In a high-stakes legal proceeding in Sion, the investigation into one of the deadliest fires in recent Swiss history has reached a critical juncture. Nicolas Féraud, the mayor of Crans-Montana, has appeared for questioning in a classroom at the local engineering school, facing allegations of criminal negligence following the catastrophic blaze at the Constellation discobar theater.
The interrogatorio del sindaco Féraud marks a pivotal shift in the probe, moving the focus from the immediate owners of the venue to the institutional failures of the local government. The Valais Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating whether a systemic lack of safety oversight contributed to the tragedy, which resulted in 41 deaths and 115 injuries.
As part of the judicial measures taken during the hearing, the prosecution has ordered the seizure of the mayor’s mobile phone. This move suggests that investigators are seeking digital evidence—potentially communications or records—that could clarify the administration’s awareness of the venue’s safety status prior to the fire.
Féraud, who has remained in office despite the unfolding crisis, entered the building through a side door to avoid the press. He has previously stated he would take “responsibility” for the situation, but now faces formal charges of negligent arson, causing injury and manslaughter.
The Institutional Failure: Five Years of Missing Inspections
At the heart of the prosecution’s case is a staggering admission made by the mayor himself on January 6. Féraud acknowledged that his administration failed to conduct required safety inspections at the discobar theater for a period spanning from 2020 to 2025. This five-year gap in regulatory oversight is the primary basis for the charges of manslaughter and injury, as the prosecution argues that had these controls been performed, the risks leading to the fire might have been mitigated or prevented entirely.
The legal complexity of the case was further highlighted when the Municipality of Crans-Montana attempted to join the proceedings as a civil party. This request—essentially asking to be recognized as a victim or injured party in the legal process—was rejected by the judiciary, reinforcing the view that the municipality is a primary subject of the investigation rather than a bystander.
The hearing is being led by Catherine Seppey, the Deputy Attorney General and lead prosecutor on the file. The scale of the tragedy is reflected in the courtroom’s attendance: approximately 70 lawyers representing civil parties—the families and survivors of the victims—are present to observe the testimony.
Key Figures and Legal Status
| Party | Role/Relation | Primary Charges | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nicolas Féraud | Mayor of Crans-Montana | Negligent arson, injury, manslaughter | Under interrogation; phone seized |
| Jacques & Jessica Moretti | Venue Owners | Negligent arson, injury, manslaughter | Indicted; absent from today’s hearing |
| Municipality | Local Government | Institutional oversight failure | Request for civil party status denied |
Perspectives from the Victims’ Representatives
For the families of the deceased and the injured, the interrogation of the mayor represents a transition to a “higher level” of the investigation. Until now, the legal focus had remained largely on the technical aspects of the fire and the testimony of the venue’s owners, the Morettis, and various technical experts.
Fabrizio Ventimiglia, an attorney representing the family of an injured Italian girl, described the day as decisive. He stated, “We expect an extensive collaboration from the representative of the institutions, without ifs and buts.” Ventimiglia noted that the inclusion of institutional figures in the questioning is a positive sign for the trajectory of the investigation.
Other legal representatives have been more blunt regarding the political implications. Alain Viscolo, a civil party lawyer, identified Féraud as one of the “main suspects” in the case. His colleague, Nicolas Mattenberger, emphasized that the inquiry must uncover the specific reasons why periodic safety checks were ignored, asserting that there is a clear “political responsibility” behind the administrative failure.
The Path to Accountability
The investigation now pivots on whether the lack of inspections was a result of simple administrative oversight, systemic incompetence, or a conscious decision to ignore safety protocols. The seizure of the mayor’s phone is expected to provide a timeline of internal communications that may reveal if warnings were issued by subordinates or if the lack of controls was a known risk within the town hall.
The legal proceedings are taking place under the jurisdiction of the State of Valais authorities. Given the number of casualties and the involvement of high-ranking public officials, the case is being treated as a matter of significant public interest, with the potential for substantial criminal and civil liability.
The tragedy has left a profound mark on the community of Crans-Montana and the wider region, raising urgent questions about the enforcement of safety codes in public entertainment venues across the canton.
Disclaimer: This article reports on ongoing legal proceedings. All individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
For those affected by the tragedy or experiencing distress, support services are available through the Swiss mental health network.
The next phase of the investigation will likely involve the forensic analysis of the seized digital evidence and further depositions from municipal employees involved in the safety and zoning departments. Official updates from the Valais Public Prosecutor’s Office are expected following the conclusion of the current round of interrogations.
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