All 40 individuals who lost their lives in the tragic New Year’s Eve bar fire in Switzerland have been officially identified, with more than half of the victims being teenagers, according to Valais Police. The devastating incident occurred early on January 1 at a bar in the mountain resort of Crans-Montana, marking it as one of the worst disasters in recent Swiss history.
In an expression of collective grief, hundreds of residents participated in a silent procession through the cold streets of Crans-Montana on Sunday to honor the victims. The fire not only claimed lives but also left over 100 people injured. A church service was held that day, attended by mourners, where Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey shared messages of condolences from around the world, including heartfelt words from Pope Leo XIV. Lovey conveyed the shared sorrow of countless people, emphasizing the global support for the victims’ families.
Among the deceased, 26 were teenagers, including a 14-year-old French national and a Swiss boy of the same age. The victims also included 21 Swiss citizens, seven French, and six Italian nationals, with others hailing from countries such as Romania, Turkey, and Portugal. Notably, a mother confirmed that her 16-year-old son, Arthur Brodard, was among the victims, allowing her family to begin their mourning process.
Switzerland is set to observe a national day of mourning on Friday, declared by national president Guy Parmelin. The day will feature church bells ringing nationwide and a minute of silence to reflect on the tragedy and remember the victims.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have started due to “fountain candle” sparklers being held too close to the ceiling within the Constellation bar. Following this incident, 119 individuals sustained injuries, with many requiring transfers to specialized medical facilities in neighboring countries like Belgium, France, Germany, and Italy for severe burn treatments. Additionally, two bar operators now face a criminal investigation for suspected negligence that may have contributed to the disaster, although they have not been detained as there is no indication they would flee from the legal proceedings.
In the face of this heart-wrenching incident, the strong community response and the support from around the world provide a glimmer of hope as those affected come together to heal and remember their loved ones.
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