Crans-Montana Fire: Lombardy Seeks Entry into Swiss Criminal Investigation

Herz — Switzerland Desk · 15 July 2026 at 05:27 · 30s summary · 2 min read

What We Know

According to Le Temps, the Italian region of Lombardy has hired Ticino lawyer Paolo Bernasconi to attempt to become a formal complainant—that is, gain the right to participate in the investigation and help determine criminal responsibility—in the proceeding arising from the fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on January 1st.

Lombardy seeks to understand what it calls a 'catastrophe' and obtain compensation for financial and non-financial damages suffered 'by the Lombard institution and community.'

To justify its approach, Lombardy invokes the presence of victims from the region and the treatment of eleven patients at Niguardia hospital in Milan.

Criminal Procedure in Switzerland

Swiss criminal procedure law limits the status of injured party—formal recognition as a direct victim in a proceeding—to only those whose rights were directly affected by an offense. As a result, siblings of fire victims have been denied this status.

The Republic of Italy submitted a similar request for formal complainant status to the Valais Public Prosecutor's Office in late April. As of July 15, 2026, this request had not yet been resolved. Italy is represented in this proceeding by lawyer Romain Jordan.

Timeline

1. 01.01 01:00
   Fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana.
2. 01.04 02:00
   The Republic of Italy submits a request for formal complainant status to the Valais Public Prosecutor's Office.
3. 15.07 02:00
   Italy's request remains unresolved. Lombardy hires Paolo Bernasconi to pursue a similar action.

What Remains Uncertain

Multiple legal experts consulted express serious doubt that Lombardy will be admitted as a formal complainant under Swiss law.

Paolo Bernasconi might instead attempt to secure for Lombardy the status of 'interested third party'—a position that would allow it to follow the investigation without being formally admitted as a complainant.