All 40 individuals who lost their lives in the tragic bar fire on New Year’s Eve in Switzerland have been positively identified by authorities, with a significant portion of the victims being teenagers. Valais Police confirmed the identification of the final 16 victims related to the blaze that occurred at the Crans-Montana mountain resort early on January 1st.
This incident stands as one of the most devastating tragedies in recent Swiss history, prompting an overwhelming wave of sorrow across Switzerland. In response, the nation will observe a national day of mourning in the coming week. To honor the victims, hundreds of people partook in a silent procession through the chilly streets of Crans-Montana, paying tribute to those who perished and the over 100 individuals who sustained injuries.
On Sunday, mourners congregated for a church service in the town, where Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey acknowledged the global outpouring of condolences received, including a message of sympathy from the Pope. The community united in grief, with Lovey expressing gratitude for the shared sorrow and support extended during this difficult time.
Among the deceased, a significant number were teenagers, with 26 out of the 40 victims being adolescents. The identities of these individuals, including a 14-year-old French national and a 14-year-old Swiss citizen, have not been disclosed. The nationality breakdown of the deceased comprises 21 Swiss, seven French, and six Italian individuals, with additional victims hailing from Romania, Turkey, Portugal, Belgium, and a Swiss-French dual national, alongside a 15-year-old girl holding French, Israeli, and British citizenship.
Tragically, the mother of a 16-year-old Swiss boy named Arthur Brodard confirmed his passing, expressing her readiness to commence the mourning process. The solemn occasion will be further marked by a national day of mourning in Switzerland on Friday, as declared by national president Guy Parmelin. The day will be commemorated with church bells tolling nationwide and a minute of silence observed in remembrance of the victims.
The fatal fire is believed to have originated from “fountain candle” sparklers being held too close to the ceiling at the Constellation bar, according to the region’s chief prosecutor. Consequently, 119 individuals sustained injuries, with many suffering severe burns. The Swiss government disclosed that 35 patients have been transferred to specialized medical facilities in Belgium, France, Germany, and Italy for advanced treatment.
Two individuals responsible for managing the bar are currently under criminal investigation on suspicion of various offenses, including homicide by negligence. The police have initiated a criminal probe into allegations of negligent bodily harm and causing a fire due to negligence against these individuals, who have not been detained as there is no indication of them evading legal proceedings.
