CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland — The Alpine resort of Crans-Montana stood in solemn unity Sunday as hundreds participated in a silent procession to honor the victims of the devastating New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar that claimed 40 lives and left 119 injured.
Mourners gathered for a multilingual Mass at Chapelle Saint-Christophe, where somber attendees with reddened eyes filed out to organ music. The service addressed the ‘terrible uncertainty’ facing families, many still awaiting identification of their loved ones. Following the service, participants joined a dense, snaking procession through the town, carrying flower bouquets past shuttered stores in bright sunlight.
At the bar site—now shielded by white screens—the swelling crowd maintained near-total silence before breaking into sustained, gloved applause. Mourners created a makeshift memorial piled with flowers, stuffed animals, and tributes. ‘We are going through a moment of crushing darkness but we are going through it together,’ one speaker acknowledged.
The victims predominantly ranged from teens to mid-20s, with Swiss authorities having identified 24 fatalities by Sunday. The confirmed dead include 18 Swiss citizens (aged 14-31), two 16-year-old Italians, one dual Italian-Emirati citizen (16), an 18-year-old Romanian, a 39-year-old French citizen, and an 18-year-old Turkish national.
Identification efforts continue with forensic teams using DNA analysis due to the severity of burns. The emotional toll was embodied by Laetitia Brodard, who confirmed her 16-year-old son Arthur among the deceased after a frantic search. ‘Our Arthur has now left to party in paradise,’ she shared in a heartfelt Facebook message.
Swiss authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the bar managers for involuntary homicide, bodily harm, and causing a fire. Preliminary findings suggest sparkling candles atop Champagne bottles ignited the ceiling of the crowded bar around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday. Investigators are examining whether sound-dampening materials complied with regulations and whether safety measures including fire extinguishers and escape routes were adequate.
International support has emerged with 17 patients transferred to France among 35 total transferred to five European nations. Swiss President Guy Parmelin has announced a national day of mourning for January 9.