All 40 individuals who perished in the fire at a bar in Switzerland on New Year’s Eve have been positively identified, according to authorities. The group of victims included a significant number of teenagers, accounting for more than half of the fatalities.
Valais Police announced that the last 16 victims have now been formally recognized following the tragic incident that occurred in the early hours of January 1 in the mountain resort of Crans-Montana. This fire stands out as one of the most devastating disasters in recent Swiss history, prompting an overwhelming display of sorrow across Switzerland. The nation is set to observe a day of national mourning in the coming week.
A somber silent procession took place in the chilly streets of Crans-Montana on Sunday as hundreds of individuals gathered to honor the memory of the fire victims, over 100 of whom sustained injuries. Earlier that day, mourners congregated for a church service where Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey conveyed messages of sympathy and solidarity that had poured in from around the globe, including from the Pope.
Among the deceased, 26 were teenagers, with the victims encompassing a 14-year-old French national and a 14-year-old Swiss individual, although their identities have not been disclosed. Of the total fatalities, 21 were Swiss nationals, seven were French, and six were Italian. The remaining victims hailed from various countries such as Romania, Turkey, Portugal, and Belgium, including a Swiss-French dual national and a 15-year-old girl with French, Israeli, and British citizenship.
The mother of a 16-year-old Swiss teenager named Arthur Brodard confirmed his tragic demise, expressing her grief on social media. The nation will come together for a national day of mourning on Friday, as announced by national president Guy Parmelin, with church bells to toll and a minute’s silence to be observed in remembrance of the victims.
The fire is believed to have originated from “fountain candle” sparklers being held too close to the ceiling at the Constellation bar, as per the region’s chief prosecutor. Investigations have led to two individuals linked to the bar facing criminal charges, including homicide by negligence. These suspects, whose identities have not been disclosed, are also being probed for negligence leading to bodily harm and the outbreak of the fire. They have not been detained as there are no indications of them attempting to evade legal proceedings.
Overall, 119 individuals sustained injuries during the tragic incident, with several suffering severe burns. The Swiss government revealed that 35 patients have been transferred to specialized clinics in Belgium, France, Germany, and Italy from Swiss hospitals for further treatment.
