In a moving display of solidarity, dozens of skiers gathered on the Swiss Alps slopes to honour those lost in a devastating New Year's Day fire. The skiers formed the shape of a large heart on the snow in Crans-Montana, paying tribute to the victims of the blaze that tore through the Le Constellation bar.
A Tragedy in the Early Hours
The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of New Year's Day. A fire spread rapidly inside the crowded Le Constellation bar in the popular Swiss resort of Crans-Montana. Authorities have confirmed the tragic toll: forty people lost their lives, and 116 others were injured.
Swiss police have now stated that all 116 individuals injured in the incident have been identified. The investigation points to a heartbreaking cause. Preliminary findings suggest the fire started in the basement after sparklers attached to champagne bottles were held too close to the ceiling.
Community Grief and Investigation
Social media images from before the fire indicate the ceiling was clad with soundproofing foam, a material that can be highly flammable. This detail is now a key part of the ongoing investigation into one of Switzerland's deadliest fires in recent years.
The resort community has been profoundly affected. Local reports describe a town gripped by grief, with one resident expressing, "It has hit us very hard." The skiers' silent, symbolic tribute on the mountainside reflects the deep sorrow felt by residents and visitors alike.
A Poignant Memorial on the Slopes
The formation of the heart by skiers, standing together against the backdrop of the alpine landscape, served as a powerful, visual memorial. It underscored how the tragedy has resonated far beyond the immediate community, touching the international skiing fraternity that frequents the prestigious resort.
As the police continue their work and the community begins the long process of healing, the images from the slopes of Crans-Montana stand as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the strength found in collective mourning.
