Three days after a tragic incident abruptly ended the lively New Year celebrations in Crans-Montana, the town observed a moment of silence. Over 2,000 mourners, including families of the victims from the Le Constellation bar fire, participated in a quiet march through the Swiss ski-resort streets. They gathered at the site of the tragedy, where a growing shrine adorned with flowers and candles stood as a tribute to the at least 40 deceased and 119 injured individuals.
After attending a heartfelt mass at a nearby church led by Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey, people of all ages made their way to the bar location on a hill. The mass, which began at 9 am UK time inside the packed St Christophe Chapel, was broadcast outside on a large screen and loudspeakers to accommodate the overflow crowd in the cold weather.
Following the solemn march, mourners held a vigil outside the bar, where they remembered the victims. A touching rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” by a female vocalist accompanied the event. Additionally, attendees signed a book of condolence placed on a small table near the shrine.
During the one-hour service that followed, tributes were paid to the victims, and a church choir and soloists performed emotional songs while mourners, including survivors, comforted each other. Reverend Gilles Cavin acknowledged the heart-wrenching uncertainty faced by families awaiting news of their loved ones. Representatives like Italy’s Ambassador to Switzerland and the President of Crans-Montana were present at the service.
As families anxiously awaited news about their missing loved ones, police announced the identification of 24 victims by Sunday morning. The victims, including teenagers as young as 14, hailed from various nationalities, with the youngest being a 14-year-old Italian-Emirati national.
The owners of the bar, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are under investigation for possible negligence charges related to the tragic incident. Criticism has been directed at the couple for alleged safety lapses within the bar, prompting questions about the authorities’ oversight and inspection practices. Mayor Nicolas Féraud clarified that all reports concerning the bar had been submitted to the public prosecutor’s office, emphasizing the municipality’s adherence to safety protocols.
In the wake of the devastating event, the community came together to mourn the loss, honor the victims, and seek answers amidst the ongoing investigations.