Swiss police have confirmed that all 40 victims of the New Year’s Eve fire at a bar in the mountain resort of Crans-Montana have now been identified, with more than half of those killed being teenagers.
Valais police said the final 16 victims were identified following the blaze in the early hours of 1 January, one of the deadliest disasters in recent Swiss history. The tragedy has sparked national grief, with Switzerland set to observe a national day of mourning next week.
Hundreds of people took part in a silent procession through the frosty streets of Crans-Montana on Sunday to pay tribute to those who lost their lives, while more than 100 others were injured in the fire.
At a church service, Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey said condolences had poured in from around the world, including from Pope Leo XIV. “Countless people join us – people whose hearts are broken. Many expressions of sympathy and solidarity reach us,” he said.
Teenagers Among the Dead
Police confirmed that 26 of the 40 victims were teenagers, including a 14-year-old French national and a 14-year-old Swiss. In total, 21 were Swiss citizens, seven French, six Italian, with others from Romania, Turkey, Portugal, Belgium, and one 15-year-old holding French, Israeli, and British nationality.
The mother of 16-year-old Swiss boy Arthur Brodard confirmed his death on Facebook, writing: “Now we can start our mourning, knowing he is in peace.”
National Day of Mourning
Swiss President Guy Parmelin announced that Friday will be a national day of mourning, with church bells ringing across the country and a minute’s silence observed.
Authorities believe the fire began when “fountain candle” sparklers were held too close to the ceiling at the Constellation bar. A total of 119 people were injured, many suffering severe burns.
Thirty-five patients have been transferred from Swiss hospitals to specialised clinics in Belgium, France, Germany, and Italy. Two people who ran the bar are under criminal investigation for offences including homicide by negligence, negligent bodily harm, and causing a fire. They have not been taken into custody as there is no evidence they would attempt to evade proceedings.
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