Today, young survivors of the tragic Swiss New Year fire incident delivered heartfelt speeches at an official memorial event, bringing French President Emmanuel Macron to tears.
Marie Albrecht, Aline Morisoli, and Solal Heimendinger, who were all present during the calamity, shared their experiences on stage at the ceremony held in the “Le Régent” convention center in Martigny, Switzerland, in front of an audience of about 1,000 individuals, including families of the deceased, first responders, and dignitaries.
This event was part of a national day of mourning in Switzerland and took place nine days after a devastating fire at the Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana claimed the lives of 40 people, including 20 children, and left 116 others injured. Among the victims were teenagers as young as 14 and two siblings.
Reflecting on the tragic night, Marie Albrecht expressed deep emotions, stating, “The evening started with a casual visit to the bar, but soon turned into a horrifying nightmare. The scenes we witnessed were unbearable. The chaos outside was beyond any nightmare, with agonizing screams piercing the cold air and the overpowering stench of burning.
In her speech, Aline Morisoli highlighted the challenges faced by their generation in a challenging and fragile world. Despite the hardships, she emphasized the resilience and determination of young people, urging them to continue fighting for a better future and not to lose hope.
Survivor Solal Heimendinger expressed gratitude towards the emergency services and healthcare workers, acknowledging their efforts in the aftermath of the tragedy. A touching moment of applause was dedicated to the responders during the event. Additionally, hundreds of people braved snowy conditions to watch a live broadcast of the memorial service at the Place du Scandia in Crans-Montana.
During the service, Valais State Council President Mathias Reynard addressed the mourners, offering condolences to the families and pledging a thorough investigation into the incident. He expressed solidarity with the victims and their loved ones, emphasizing the commitment to never forget those who lost their lives.
Federal President Guy Parmelin spoke about the collective grief felt across Switzerland and paid tribute to the victims, emphasizing that the deceased, now shining in memories, will be forever remembered. The service took place shortly after the detention of the bar owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who are facing charges related to the tragedy.
The investigation into the fire’s cause, believed to have started due to champagne bottles with party sparklers, will also examine the responsibilities of the bar owners and authorities. It was revealed that no fire safety inspections had been conducted at the bar since 2019.
Among the victims, seven were members of the same football club in Lutry, with five others in critical condition. The tragedy involved individuals from 19 different nationalities, with 83 victims still receiving medical care in hospitals.
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