Victim support following the major fire in Crans-Montana

On 1 January, a fire broke out in a bar in Crans-Montana (VS) claiming at least 40 lives and leaving more than a hundred people injured. Victims of crime and their relatives are entitled to assistance from victim support services under the Victim Support Act (VSA). This includes both emergency assistance and medium- and long-term assistance. The cantonal victim support services are responsible for providing emergency assistance. The victims of the fire in Crans-Montana and their relatives can obtain the necessary individual assistance from these centres: Major fire in Crans-Montana - Victim Support Switzerland.

Further information on victim support

• The FDJP will examine whether there are gaps in the provision of existing support services and whether additional measures are necessary to provide adequate support to victims and their families (press release of 9 January 2026).
• On 14 January, the Federal Council pledged its support to the victims and their families. The federal government’s contributions would be of a supplementary nature to complement the support provided by the insurance companies and the Valais authorities (press release of 14 January 2026).

Last modification 14.01.2026