Teenagers as young as 14 and 15 were among the 40 people who lost their lives in the devastating New Year’s Eve fire at a bar in the Swiss resort town of Crans-Montana, police confirmed on Sunday. The tragedy has shocked Switzerland and drawn condolences from around the world, including a message of sympathy from Pope Leo XIV.
Police in Valais said they had identified 16 more victims of the blaze at the Le Constellation, one of the deadliest disasters in recent Swiss history. Among those newly identified were 10 Swiss nationals, two Italians, one person holding Italian-Emirati citizenship, and one each from Romania, France and Turkey. Authorities have not released names.
Young lives lost
The youngest victim identified so far is a 14-year-old Swiss girl. Police said two 15-year-old Swiss girls and ten teenagers aged between 16 and 18 were also among those who died. In addition, two Swiss men aged 20 and 31, and a 39-year-old French national were identified.
With these confirmations, authorities have now identified 24 of the 40 victims. Late on Saturday, police had announced the identification of four young Swiss adults aged between 18 and 24.
The mother of 16-year-old Swiss victim Arthur Brodard confirmed his death in an emotional social media post, writing, “Our Arthur has departed to party in heaven.”
Nation mourns, Pope offers condolences
Hundreds of mourners gathered at a church service in Crans-Montana on Sunday morning. Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey said condolences had poured in from across the globe.
“Countless people join us — people whose hearts are broken,” he told the congregation, adding that Pope Leo XIV had expressed compassion and solidarity with the victims’ families.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin announced a national day of mourning on Friday. Church bells will ring across the country, and a minute’s silence will be observed.
Cause and investigation
Prosecutors believe the fire may have started when “fountain candle” sparklers were held too close to the ceiling inside the crowded bar. Around 119 people were injured, many with severe burns, and several victims were transferred to specialised burn units across Europe.
Two individuals who ran the bar are under criminal investigation on suspicion of offences including homicide by negligence, authorities said. Identification of remaining victims and injured persons is ongoing.