Three days after a tragic fire abruptly ended the lively New Year celebrations in Crans-Montana, the resort town fell into a somber silence this morning. More than 2,000 mourners, including family members of the victims, participated in a solemn march through the streets of the Swiss ski-resort without making any noise. The procession led them to the Le Constellation bar, the site of the devastating incident that claimed the lives of at least 40 individuals and left another 119 injured. There, they placed flowers and candles at a growing memorial outside the bar.
People of all ages embarked on a brief journey up the hill to the bar after attending a special mass at a nearby church. Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey became emotional and shed tears while conducting the service.
The mass commenced at 9 am UK time in the packed St Christophe Chapel. Despite the chilling temperature of minus eight degrees outside, a large crowd watched the service via a giant screen and loudspeakers.
After the silent march, mourners gathered outside the bar to hold another vigil in honor of the deceased. A moving rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” was performed by a female vocalist. Additionally, attendees signed a book of condolences placed on a small table next to the memorial.
During the one-hour service, tributes were paid to the victims, and a church choir and soloists sang while mourners, including survivors, embraced each other and openly expressed their grief. Spontaneous applause broke out for a group of firefighters who joined the march to the bar. The service included readings in French, German, and Italian languages.
Rev Gilles Cavin addressed the anguish felt by families uncertain about the fate of their loved ones, emphasizing the day meant for celebration and friendship has turned into sorrow. Notable attendees included Italy’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Gian Lorenzo Cornado, and Crans-Montana’s President, Nicolas Feraud.
As families anxiously awaited news, the police worked on identifying the victims. Among those feared dead were partygoers as young as 14, including Charlotte Niddam, who was educated in the UK before her family moved to Switzerland. The search continued for two missing sisters, Diana and Alicia Gonset, aged 14 and 15, along with numerous other young individuals.
By Sunday morning, police had identified 24 victims, including Swiss and Italian nationals of various ages. The owners of the bar, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are under investigation for possible charges related to the tragedy, despite their claims of adhering to regulations. Authorities have faced scrutiny over alleged safety oversights in the bar, prompting Mayor Nicolas Féraud to address the concerns by stating that all relevant reports have been submitted for review.
Féraud emphasized that the municipality took the necessary steps to ensure bar inspections were carried out properly, refuting claims of negligence.
