More than 2,000 mourners formed a silent, sombre procession through the main street of the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana today. The community gathered for a memorial mass following the devastating New Year's Eve fire at Le Constellation bar, which claimed the lives of around 40 people.
A Community United in Grief
In the bright but bitterly cold morning sun, with temperatures at -8C, people of all ages walked slowly uphill. They carried flowers towards a makeshift shrine outside the charred remains of the bar. The crowd, which included children, police officers, and firefighters, extended from St Christopher's Church, where the service was relayed via speakers and a large screen to those outside.
The emotional weight of the ceremony was palpable. The officiating priest was visibly moved, nearly breaking down in tears while reading a message of condolence from Pope Francis. The Roman Catholic Bishop of Sion, Jean-Marie Lovey, also struggled with his words before delivering the Pontiff's telegram.
The Pope's message expressed prayers "to the Lord to welcome the deceased into his dwelling of peace and light, and to support the courage of those who suffer in their hearts or in their bodies." It concluded with a hope that the "Mother of God, in her tenderness, bring the comfort of faith to all those affected by this tragedy and keep them in hope."
The Agonising Wait for Identification
The memorial took place as Swiss authorities announced significant progress, yet ongoing challenges, in identifying the victims. Sixteen more bodies have been formally identified, bringing the total to 24. However, the process remains painstaking due to the severity of the burns, requiring extensive DNA analysis.
Of the 119 people injured, many critically, only six remain unidentified. The victims confirmed so far include a 14-year-old Swiss girl, with nine victims under the age of 18. The nationalities of the deceased include Swiss, Italian, Romanian, Turkish, and French citizens.
For families, the wait is torturous. The Reverend Gilles Cavin spoke during the service of the "terrible uncertainty" for those unsure if missing loved ones are among the dead or the injured in hospital. This anguish was embodied by Laetitia Brodard, who had been searching frantically for her 16-year-old son, Arthur. After providing a DNA sample, she received confirmation of his death.
"Our Arthur has now left to party in paradise," she posted on Facebook. "We can start our mourning, knowing that he is in peace and in the light."
Investigation Focuses on Sparklers and Safety
Swiss investigators have stated their preliminary belief that the fire was ignited by sparkling candles on Champagne bottles, which were brought too close to the bar's ceiling. A criminal investigation is now underway targeting the bar's operators, French Corsican couple Jacques and Jessica Morette.
Authorities are examining several critical safety aspects:
- Whether the sound-dampening foam panels on the ceiling complied with fire regulations.
- If the use of sparkler candles was permitted on the premises.
- The adequacy of other safety measures, including fire extinguishers and escape routes.
In response to the national tragedy, Swiss President Guy Parmelin has declared January 9 a national day of mourning for the victims. As the community of Crans-Montana begins the long journey of healing, questions about accountability and safety regulations loom large, ensuring this tragedy will have a lasting impact far beyond the Alpine resort.
