Hundreds of mourners gathered in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana on Sunday to honour the victims of a devastating New Year’s Eve fire that killed 40 people. The blaze tore through the crowded Le Constellation bar during celebrations, leaving dozens seriously injured and an entire community in mourning.
Earlier in the day, an hour-long Mass was held at the Chapelle Saint-Christophe to remember those who lost their lives. The service drew grieving families, local officials, and emergency responders who had worked through the night of the tragedy.
A message of condolence from Pope Leo XIV was read during the Mass, offering comfort to the bereaved. Bishop of Sion Jean-Marie Lovey said the pontiff expressed compassion for families and support for all those suffering in the aftermath of the disaster.
Outside the chapel, hundreds stood in silence as church bells echoed through the resort. The mood was solemn as residents and visitors alike struggled to comprehend the scale of the loss in a town known for celebration and winter tourism.
After the service, participants exited the chapel quietly to the sound of the organ. They then joined a silent march uphill toward the ruins of Le Constellation bar, many carrying candles, flowers, and photographs of loved ones.
Firefighters who responded to the blaze walked alongside residents, some visibly emotional. For many, the march was both a tribute to the victims and a moment of collective reflection on a night that changed the resort forever.
During the Mass, Father Gilles Cavin spoke of the anguish faced by families still waiting for definitive news. He described the “terrible uncertainty” of not knowing whether loved ones were among the dead or injured.
Police in the canton of Valais said on Sunday that 16 additional victims had been formally identified overnight. This brings the number of identified dead to 24 out of a total of 40, while the confirmed number of injured stands at 121.
Authorities said most of the victims were between the ages of 13 and 25, underlining the tragedy’s impact on young people and their families. The bodies of those identified have been returned to relatives, while three Italian nationals remain missing.
Medical teams continue to treat survivors across Europe. French Health Minister Stéphanie Rist said 17 patients were being cared for in France, part of a wider transfer of 35 injured people to five countries, with further transfers planned to Germany, Italy, and Belgium.
Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the bar’s managers. Valais regional prosecutor Béatrice Pilloud said the suspects are being investigated for involuntary manslaughter, intentional bodily harm, and arson, though their identities have not been disclosed.
Investigators believe sparklers attached to champagne bottles may have ignited the fire after coming too close to the bar’s ceiling. The venue was reportedly packed at the time, accelerating the spread of flames and smoke.
Authorities are examining whether the ceiling’s soundproof insulation complied with safety regulations. They are also checking if the use of sparklers was authorised and whether adequate fire extinguishers and emergency exits were in place.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin has declared 9 January a national day of mourning. At 2 pm, church bells will ring across Switzerland for a minute’s silence in tribute to the victims.
As Crans-Montana grieves, the focus remains on supporting families, aiding survivors, and ensuring accountability. For many, the silent march was not only a farewell, but a call for answers and lasting change.