Prevent to avoid living the irreparable again
In the aftermath of the catastrophe that struck the winter sports resort of Crans-Montana, it is not for ANPI to comment on the causes, circumstances, or responsibilities, nor to pass any judgment.
However, it is our duty to formulate certain observations in connection with our mission of prevention.
Troubling similarities with tragedies of the past
By chance, on that very same day, Belgium was commemorating the fire at the "Le 6-9" nightclub in La Louvière", which occurred in 1976. Fifty years later, the similarities are striking.
- The timing: A night that was meant to be dedicated to celebration and festivities.
- The victims: Primarily young people, struck down in the innocence of their youth while entrusted to the supervision of their elders.
- The location: A confined and poorly designed space—a configuration sadly known for becoming a death trap in the event of an incident.
From La Louvière in 1976 to Crans-Montana in 2026, other tragedies—some even older—have occurred under similar circumstances. Is humanity condemned to relive the same catastrophes without ever fully learning the lessons of the past?
The knowledge exists, and so do the lessons
Yet, the knowledge has been available for a long time: building architecture, fire behavior, and the decisive role of the human factor. Bypassing regulations, neglecting inspections by mandated professionals, failing to remain vigilant toward those under one's responsibility, or ignoring the lessons of past tragedies are all signs of a lack of awareness in a society that will never be entirely risk-free.
Never relax our vigilance
In the field that concerns ANPI daily, it is essential to never let our guard down and to maintain, at all costs, our awareness and prevention efforts—whether they be regulatory, technical, or simply human.
While the shock may have faded from the headlines, for the families and communities affected, the loss remains sharp and lasting. Our thoughts are with them.
Recent events serve as another reminder: the fire at a luxury hotel in Courchevel a few days ago, which resulted in no casualties, demonstrates that we are never safe from fire... but that effective prevention saves lives.
