Crans Montana, Palazzo Chigi: Italia is a civil party in the trial

The Presidency of the Council of Ministers has filed the deed of joinder of the Italian Republic as civil plaintiff in the criminal proceedings opened in Switzerland for the fire that occurred in Crans-Montana between 31 December 2025 and 1 January 2026. The initiative, formalised through the Avvocatura Generale dello Stato (Attorney General's Office) with the support of a Swiss law firm, was announced by Palazzo Chigi, which justified the decision with the"direct damage caused to the assets of the Italian State" for the considerable resources employed in the rescue operations.

On New Year's Eve, a fire broke out in the nightclub 'Le Constellation', causing 41 dead and 115 injured. The victims also included six Italian citizens, a circumstance that led to the direct involvement of the authorities in assistance and support operations for their compatriots. The National Civil Protection Service activated medical, psychological and logistical interventions in the hours following the tragedy, also contributing to the coordination with Swiss health facilities.

In the document filed, the Italia Government also points out that "the involvement of local authorities in the genesis of the event is considered extremely likely". This opens the way to a claim for damages against all civilly liable parties, possibly including institutional ones if the trial establishes their role. The constitution of a civil plaintiff in fact allows the Italian State to participate in the Swiss criminal trial to obtain compensation for the economic damages incurred.

The fire had a strong international impact, involving citizens from several European countries. The investigation, coordinated by the judicial authorities of the canton of Valais, is focusing on thecauses of the fire and on any shortcomings in the security systems and evacuation procedures of the premises.

Palazzo Chigi has assured that it will follow 'every stage of the judicial proceedings in Switzerland', guaranteeing constant information on the steps taken. And it also reiterated the "full and uninterrupted support to the families of the victims and the injured", indicating as a priority the ascertainment of responsibility and the recognition of the damage suffered by the national community.