Three days after a tragic incident abruptly ended the lively New Year celebrations in Crans-Montana, the town fell into a solemn silence once more today. Mourners, including relatives of the victims from the Le Constellation bar fire, participated in a silent march with over 2,000 others through the streets of the Swiss ski-resort. They proceeded to the site of the tragedy where they placed flowers and candles at a growing memorial outside the bar.
People of all ages made their way uphill after attending a special mass at a nearby church, where Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey became emotional during the service.
The mass commenced at 9am UK time inside St Christophe Chapel, filled to its capacity. Outside, despite the chilly temperature of minus eight, a large crowd followed the service on a giant screen and through loudspeakers.
After the quiet march, mourners gathered at the disaster site for another vigil to honor the deceased. A touching performance of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” by a female vocalist was part of the event. Additionally, attendees signed a condolence book placed on a small table near the memorial.
During the one-hour service, tributes were paid to the victims, along with singing by a church choir and soloists. Mourners, including survivors, comforted each other and openly expressed their sorrow. A round of spontaneous applause was given to a group of firefighters who joined the march to the bar. The service featured readings in French, German, and Italian.
Rev Gilles Cavin addressed the distressing uncertainty faced by families awaiting news of their loved ones, expressing prayers for those enduring hardship on what should have been a day of celebration and camaraderie. Notable figures like Italy’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, and Crans-Montana President Nicolas Feraud were present at the event.
Heart-wrenching scenes unfolded as families of the presumed victims anxiously awaited official identifications by the police.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of partygoers as young as 14, triggered by a party sparkler igniting the ceiling on New Year’s Day at 1:30 am. Among the missing individuals are Charlotte Niddam, 15, and sisters Diana and Alicia Gonset, aged 14 and 15, along with many other young attendees.
As of Sunday morning, police confirmed the identification of 24 victims, including individuals of various nationalities and ages. The bar’s owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are under investigation for potential negligence leading to the tragedy, despite their claims of compliance with regulations.
Questions have arisen regarding safety standards within the bar and the adequacy of regulatory inspections. Mayor Nicolas Féraud defended the municipality’s actions, stating that all relevant reports regarding Le Constellation had been provided to the public prosecutor’s office.
He emphasized that the municipality had not neglected its responsibility to uphold bar inspection standards.