Crans-Montana, Switzerland — Sunday marked a poignant Mass for the victims of the tragic New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities and many injuries. This heart-wrenching event cast a shadow over a time that should have been filled with celebration, as families waited in anguish for news of their loved ones who either perished or were severely injured in the blaze.
By Sunday evening, authorities confirmed the identities of all 40 victims, among whom were 18 Swiss citizens aged between 14 and 31, two Italians aged 16, a 16-year-old dual citizen of Italy and the UAE, an 18-year-old Romanian, a 39-year-old French citizen, and an 18-year-old Turkish national. The fire, which ignited around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, also injured 119 individuals, predominantly teenagers and young adults.
The Mass took place at the Chapelle Saint-Christophe, where grieving parents, friends, and police officers found solace in shared sorrow. Despite the cold, several hundred attendees congregated outside the church, following the service on large screens. During the ceremony, Rev. Gilles Cavin spoke about the “terrible uncertainty” facing families, expressing hope and prayer for the victims and their friends during this devastating time.
Among the mourners was Laetitia Brodard, the mother of a 16-year-old victim, Arthur, who expressed her grief in a heartfelt social media post. She remarked, “Our Arthur has now left to party in paradise,” conveying a sense of bittersweet closure as she begins the mourning process.
The identification of the bodies posed significant challenges due to the severity of burns, with authorities relying on DNA testing to confirm identities. Many families, like the Brodards, found themselves in a harrowing limbo, anxiously awaiting news from the authorities.
A criminal investigation has been initiated into the managers of the bar, who are suspected of involuntary homicide and related charges. While preliminary findings suggest that the fire was ignited by candles placed on Champagne bottles that came too close to the ceiling, investigators are scrutinizing safety regulations regarding the establishment’s conditions, including the use of sound-dampening materials and fire safety protocols.
As the community comes together in the wake of this tragedy, Swiss President Guy Parmelin has declared January 9 a national day of mourning, during which the nation will honor the lives lost and offer compassion to the grieving families. The incident has garnered international attention, with 17 patients receiving care in France and others being transferred for treatment across several European countries, reflecting a collective effort to provide support during this dark time.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures, especially in venues meant for public gatherings, and highlights the power of community in times of deep sorrow.