Hundreds of mourners stood together in the bitter cold of a Swiss Alpine night on Thursday, united in silent grief to honour those lost in a devastating New Year's Eve fire.
A Silent Night of Remembrance
The community in the resort of Crans-Montana came to a standstill as people gathered to lay flowers and light candles at the scene of the tragedy. The sombre vigil was held in memory of the approximately 40 people who died and the more than 100 injured when a blaze tore through the crowded Le Constellation bar during celebrations.
Photographs from the evening show a sea of flickering flames and colourful bouquets placed outside the charred building. Many attendees stood motionless, overlooking the scene, their breath visible in the freezing air as they paid their respects.
Community Seeks Solace in Church
Alongside the outdoor tributes, approximately 400 worshippers attended a special New Year's mass at the Catholic church of Montana Station. The service was dedicated to remembering the victims of the fire.
Images from inside the church show congregants comforting one another during the emotional vigil. The acts of communal mourning extended to rescue workers, with the commander of the fire department, David Vocat, leaving a poignant teddy bear amongst the flowers and notes outside the bar.
Scenes of Profound Loss
The makeshift memorial grew throughout the evening, with soft toys, handwritten notes, and candles placed carefully amidst the floral tributes. Firefighters, who had battled the deadly blaze, were also seen leaving their own floral offerings at the site.
The scale of the tragedy has sent shockwaves through the close-knit Alpine community and the wider nation. The silent gatherings, both at the bar and in the church, demonstrated a collective need to stand together and remember the lives cut short as the new year began.
