Crans-Montana Mourns as Community Honors Victims of Bar Fire

A devastating fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana has claimed the lives of at least 40 individuals and left 119 injured. The tragedy unfolded during New Year celebrations early on January 1, 2024, when a sparkler reportedly ignited the bar’s ceiling, leading to chaos as partygoers attempted to escape. In the wake of this horrific event, the community has come together to mourn and honor the victims.

On January 4, over 2,000 mourners participated in a silent march through Crans-Montana, walking to the site of the disaster in a show of solidarity and remembrance. The emotionally charged procession followed a special mass held at St Christophe Chapel, where Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey delivered a heartfelt sermon, breaking down in tears while addressing the grieving families. The mass, which began at 9:00 GMT, attracted a full congregation, with many others watching from outside in frigid temperatures of minus eight degrees Celsius.

During the vigil at the scene of the fire, attendees laid flowers and lit candles at a growing memorial. The poignant atmosphere was heightened by a moving rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” performed by a vocalist. Attendees also signed a book of condolence set up beside the shrine, while tributes flowed for those lost. As survivors and family members shared hugs and tears, applause erupted for the firefighters who bravely responded to the emergency.

Rev Gilles Cavin addressed the “terrible uncertainty” faced by families still waiting for news about their loved ones. Many victims were young, with some partygoers as young as 14 among the deceased. Among those feared dead is Charlotte Niddam, a 15-year-old girl who had attended school in Britain. Her former teachers expressed their hopes for a miracle in the face of overwhelming sorrow. Two sisters, Diana and Alicia Gonset, aged 14 and 15, are also among those reported missing.

As of the morning of January 4, police had identified 24 victims, including four Swiss females and six Swiss males, aged between 14 and 31. Others include two 16-year-old Italians, a 16-year-old Italian-Emirati national, an 18-year-old Romanian, a 39-year-old Frenchman, and an 18-year-old Turk. The identities of the victims have not yet been released to the public.

The owners of the Le Constellation, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are currently under investigation for manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. The couple maintains that they adhered to all safety regulations. However, they have faced criticism regarding alleged safety oversights within the bar.

Questions have also emerged about local authorities, with claims that regular safety inspections were not conducted. Yet, Nicolas Feraud, the President of Crans-Montana, asserted that the municipality had properly documented all inspection reports related to the bar. He stated, “The municipality of Crans-Montana did not take a lax approach to inspecting bars.”

As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event, families await the completion of police investigations into the identities of the deceased. The impact of the fire has been deeply felt across Crans-Montana and beyond, marking a solemn beginning to the New Year for many.