A British teenage boxer has been identified among the 40 victims of a devastating New Year's Eve bar fire in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana. The blaze broke out at around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday at Le Constellation bar, also leaving 119 injured, many of them teenagers and young adults.
The mother of 16-year-old Arthur Brodard confirmed her son's death in a Facebook post, saying: 'Our Arthur has now left to party in paradise. We can start our mourning, knowing that he is in peace and in the light.' Laetitia Brodard had been frantically searching for her son, giving a DNA sample to help with identification. Swiss authorities said the process was particularly difficult due to the severity of the burns.
A solemn Mass was held on Sunday at the Chapelle St-Christophe in Crans-Montana, attended by distraught parents, teenagers and police officers. The Rev. Gilles Cavin spoke of the 'terrible uncertainty' for families still awaiting news of their loved ones. A silent march to the site of the tragedy followed the service.
Swiss authorities have opened a criminal investigation into the bar managers on suspicion of involuntary homicide, bodily harm and causing a fire. Investigators believe sparkling candles atop Champagne bottles ignited the blaze when they came too close to the ceiling. Officials are also examining whether sound-dampening material on the ceiling and other safety measures complied with regulations.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin has announced a national day of mourning for January 9. Meanwhile, 35 patients have been transferred to five European countries, including France, Germany, Italy and Belgium, for specialist care.
