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Latest Public Safety news and updates from Switzerland. AI-curated articles covering Public Safety topics.
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A former Crans-Montana municipal councillor has become the 17th person charged over the fatal New Year’s Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar, which killed 41 people and injured 115. The article should explain the alleged failures in building oversight, the charges of negligent manslaughter, bodily harm and arson, and the broader accountability questions raised by the expanding investigation.
5 days ago · 1 source
Switzerland
Zurich Airport cancelled 27 flights and warned of further disruption after lightning near the airport halted ground operations during a severe thunderstorm. The article should provide timely information for travellers, explain why ramp work must stop during lightning activity and assess the knock-on effects for passengers and airline schedules.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Switzerland
MétéoSwiss has introduced an AI system that updates the probability of hail, lightning and heavy rain every five minutes. The article should explain how the model works, what its improved warning speed means for public safety and why meteorologists remain essential to interpreting its forecasts.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Environment
As Switzerland records its highest temperature of 2026 amid a fourth summer heatwave, severe drought conditions have forced cantons like Basel City to cancel traditional August 1st fireworks, raising concerns about public safety and the nation's energy demands for cooling.
SWI swissinfo.ch · +2 more
Environment
The ongoing heatwave and drought are creating widespread problems across the country, from dangerously low reservoir levels and increased Alpine risks to political pressure on the Environment Minister.
The Local Switzerland · +3 more
Public Safety
A recent spike in drowning incidents across Switzerland, with at least 15 fatalities in the last 30 days, has prompted warnings from the Swiss Lifesaving Society. This article examines the statistics, risk factors, and vital safety advice for enjoying Switzerland's waterways during the warm weather.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Health
The June 2026 heatwave led to a statistically significant increase in deaths among people over 65. As the country faces warnings of another heatwave and heightened wildfire risks, a closer look at the data reveals the human cost of extreme weather.
The Local Switzerland · +3 more
Crime
In response to over 5,000 reported cases and CHF 18 million stolen since 2022, police forces in French-speaking Switzerland and fedpol have united to dismantle organized criminal groups, operating mainly from France, that are targeting Swiss residents with sophisticated fake police officer scams.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Justice System
Two developments highlight challenges within Switzerland's justice and public safety spheres. A new Zurich-led study calls for the abolition of solitary confinement, deeming it counterproductive. Simultaneously, cantons are intensifying their fight against sophisticated 'fake police officer' scams that have defrauded thousands.
The Local Switzerland · +1 more
Crans-Montana
Six months after the tragic New Year's Day fire, cantonal government president Christophe Darbellay has confirmed the Le Constellation bar will not reopen in its former capacity, with hopes to repurpose the site for young people and plans for a memorial to honor the victims.
The Local Switzerland · +1 more
Environment
The major project to clear a World War II ammunition depot in Mitholz, Bernese Oberland, has been delayed by two years to 2047. The setback is due to unexpectedly high levels of contaminated material, which complicates the excavation and treatment process and extends the required evacuation period for local residents.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Public Safety
The Swiss Lifesaving Society reports 43 drowning deaths occurred in 2025, a drop below 50 for the first time since 2021. However, the data highlights that young adults and seniors remain particularly vulnerable, with men accounting for 80% of victims.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Crime
A man has been arrested after attacking and injuring three people with a knife at the train station in Winterthur. The motive for the Thursday morning attack is under investigation, with one victim suffering serious injuries.
The Local Switzerland · +1 more
Zurich
An elderly woman has died from her injuries after being struck by an unattended, driverless delivery van that rolled onto a sidewalk in Zurich. The tragic incident has prompted an investigation and raises critical questions about the safety of autonomous vehicle technology.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Zurich
A police officer sustained minor injuries after being pelted with bottles and stones during a riot in Zurich. Police deployed rubber bullets, water cannons, and dogs to disperse a large group after a noise complaint escalated.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Zurich
A major emergency response was triggered in central Zurich after a refrigerant leak in a shopping centre on Bahnhofstrasse. Approximately 300 people were evacuated, with four taken to hospital and a dozen more treated at the scene.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Environment
Authorities in canton Valais are closely monitoring the Oigschtchummun Glacier after detecting 'isolated collapses' and other anomalies. The instability raises concerns just a few kilometres from Blatten, which was devastated by a glacier collapse last year.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Health
Switzerland's drug regulator, Swissmedic, is closely monitoring the drug Tavneos after its Japanese distributor warned doctors against new prescriptions following 20 deaths since 2021. US and European agencies are also reviewing the drug's approval amid safety concerns.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Health
An independent investigation has confirmed serious failures and an excess mortality rate of up to 74 patients in cardiac surgery at University Hospital Zurich (USZ) from 2016-2020. The hospital has now referred multiple cases to the public prosecutor's office.
SWI swissinfo.ch
Health
Health officials are preparing for the likely emergence of nitazenes, a new class of synthetic opioids up to 50 times more potent than fentanyl, with cantons such as Geneva and Fribourg already announcing preventative measures.
Le News
