Crans-Montana Fire Chief David Vocat Details Harrowing Night, 12-Hour Interrogation

David Vocat, the fire chief of Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has spoken publicly about the traumatic experience following the deadly fire at the “Le Constellation” club on New Year’s Eve. Vocat underwent a twelve-hour interrogation by police on Monday, February 16, 2026, describing the aftermath of the tragedy as a “nightmare.”

Vocat’s Testimony and Role in Prior Inspection

Vocat shared his emotional state with Italian media and RTS following the lengthy questioning. “I’ve been living for forty days not knowing if I’m in a dream or a nightmare. And now, I’m in a nightmare and I really hope we can get out of it one day,” he stated, visibly shaken and fatigued, according to reports. He emphasized his desire to provide answers to the families affected and prevent similar tragedies from occurring.

The interrogation focused, in part, on Vocat’s participation in a 2018 inspection of Le Constellation. Investigators questioned him regarding his failure to raise concerns about highly flammable insulation affixed to the ceiling of the basement – a material later identified as a key factor in the rapid and deadly spread of the fire.

Focus on Firefighter Access, Not Material Safety

Vocat clarified that his role during the 2018 inspection was limited to assessing access points for firefighters, not evaluating the safety of materials used within the establishment. “When I came to inspect this building, it was already at the firefighter access level. I don’t have the aspect of controlling the materials. That’s not my job at all. If it were my job, I would have checked it, I would have said so,” he explained.

He further noted that his professional development focuses on emerging risks to firefighters, such as electric vehicles and solar panels, but not on the flammability of interior building materials. “I train on all the new technologies, but we’re talking about electric cars, we’re talking about solar panels, we’re talking about a lot of things that are dangers for responders, but not at the level of combustible materials inside the premises.”

Emotional Toll and Impact on Emergency Services

The fire at Le Constellation has deeply affected emergency services personnel. According to Bluewin, Vocat described the operation as a “traumatic and extreme situation,” with many helpers emotionally overwhelmed. Several volunteer firefighters reportedly expressed their inability to continue service after the event.

The alarm was raised at 1:35 am, with initial reports indicating a possible explosion. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a “flashover” – the rapid ignition of smoke gases – which contributed to the severity of the injuries sustained by those present.

Ongoing Investigation

Vocat was heard by authorities starting at 8:30 am on Monday and left the police station late that night. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to gather information regarding the circumstances surrounding the fire and the factors that contributed to the tragedy.