A family traveling to see their daughter, severely injured in the New Year’s Day fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, received a fine of 351 Swiss francs (approximately 383.63 euros) for traveling without tickets on a Swiss Federal Railways (CFF) train, according to reports surfacing today.
The family’s ordeal began on January 13, 2026, when they were en route to Cologne, Germany, where their daughter, Alexia T., is hospitalized after suffering 70% burns in the Crans-Montana blaze. After their car broke down near Basel, Switzerland, the family boarded a train to continue their journey, stating they did so out of urgent necessity. Despite explaining their situation to railway officials, they were issued the fine.
The family appealed the penalty, but the CFF rejected their request, offering only a reduction of 40 Swiss francs (approximately 43.72 euros). The decision has drawn criticism from the family’s lawyer, Me Christophe de Galembert, who described the CFF’s response as lacking in compassion. “The lack of compassion and the slightest consideration is perplexing,” de Galembert told RTL, adding that the reaction of the publicly funded railway company was “unacceptable.” He has called for the full cancellation of the fine and the provision of free transport between Lausanne and Cologne for the duration of Alexia’s hospitalization.
In a statement to RTL, the CFF acknowledged the tragic circumstances but defended its decision, citing the need for “equal treatment” towards all passengers, even those facing hardship. The railway company stated that while it sympathizes with the family, waiving the fine would set a precedent that could not be fairly applied across all cases of similar distress.
The fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2026, leaving multiple people injured. Alexia T. Remains hospitalized in Cologne with severe burns. The family’s financial burden has been compounded by the unexpected travel costs and the railway fine.