CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland (AP) – A Mass was held on Sunday for victims of the devastating New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana. The tragic incident resulted in 40 fatalities and left numerous individuals severely injured. Families and friends gathered in mourning as they awaited news about their loved ones or began to cope with their loss.
During the somber service at Chapelle St-Christophe in Crans-Montana, gray-haired parents, teenagers, and police officers were seen supporting one another. Mass included readings in German, French, and Italian, with hundreds attending despite the freezing temperatures. For those unable to enter the church, a screen was set up outside to follow the solemn proceedings.
Rev. Gilles Cavin addressed the congregation, highlighting the "terrible uncertainty" for families awaiting news about their loved ones. "We pray for their friends hard hit by misery on this day that was meant to be one of festivities and friendship,” he expressed, offering comfort in the face of grief.
The fire broke out shortly after 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, resulting in 40 deaths and 119 injuries. The police reported that many victims were young, aged between their teens and mid-20s. By Sunday morning, Swiss authorities had identified 24 victims, including 18 Swiss nationals aged 14 to 31 years, two Italian youths aged 16, one dual citizen of Italy and the United Arab Emirates who was also 16, an 18-year-old Romanian, a 39-year-old French citizen, and an 18-year-old Turkish national.
One of the deceased was 16-year-old Arthur Brodard, whose mother, Laetitia Brodard, shared her devastation through a heartfelt Facebook post. “Our Arthur has now left to party in paradise,” she stated, visibly shaken. Her ordeal of searching for him mirrored that of many families grappling with the uncertainty surrounding the fate of their loved ones during the chaos of the fire.
Swiss authorities noted that the identification process for the victims was particularly challenging due to the severity of the burns, necessitating DNA samples for confirmation. Brodard provided her DNA sample to aid in this difficult process and thanked those who offered their compassion during her anxious search. Unfortunately, many other parents and siblings continue to await news of their beloved ones.
In the wake of this tragedy, Swiss authorities have launched a criminal investigation against the bar managers, who are suspected of involuntary homicide, bodily harm, and causing a fire. The chief prosecutor, Beatrice Pilloud, disclosed the investigation without naming the individuals involved. Investigators believe that the fire was ignited by sparkling candles positioned atop Champagne bottles, which came too close to the ceiling of the crowded venue.
Furthermore, authorities will examine whether the sound-dampening material used on the bar's ceiling met safety regulations. They will also assess the bar’s compliance with safety measures, including the availability of fire extinguishers and adequately marked escape routes.
In response to the tragedy, Swiss President Guy Parmelin has declared a national day of mourning for the victims, scheduled for January 9. In total, 35 patients have been transferred from Switzerland to various countries for treatment, with 17 patients receiving care in France. Additional transfers to Germany, Italy, and Belgium are planned as part of ongoing recovery efforts.
