At a Glance
- 40 dead and 119 injured in a New Year’s Eve blaze at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana.
- Hundreds marched in silence after a Mass and left flowers at a makeshift memorial.
- Bar managers are being investigated for involuntary homicide, bodily harm and fire-causing negligence.
- Why it matters: The tragedy underscores the need for stricter safety checks in nightlife venues and the ongoing legal scrutiny of those responsible.
The New Year’s Eve fire at the Le Constellation bar in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana left 40 people dead and 119 injured, prompting a solemn procession and a national day of mourning.
Mass and Memorial
After an hour-long Mass at Chapelle Saint-Christophe, mourners filed silently out of the chapel, then marched up a hill to the bar. They left bouquets at a makeshift memorial and applauded rescue teams.
- Local residents and grieving families
- Police and firefighters
- Religious leaders
Véronique Barras
> “Through this tragic event, I believe we must all remember that we are all brothers and sisters in humanity.”
Investigation and Safety Concerns
Police have opened a criminal investigation into the bar managers for involuntary homicide, bodily harm and fire-causing negligence. They suspect sparkling candles on champagne bottles ignited the blaze.
- Involuntary homicide
- Involuntary bodily harm
- Involuntary causing of a fire
Beatrice Pilloud
> “The two are suspected of involuntary homicide, involuntary bodily harm and involuntarily causing a fire.”
Victims and Families
One of the 40 fatalities was 16-year-old Arthur Brodard, whose mother posted on Facebook: “Our Arthur has now left to party in paradise.” Families are still awaiting news.
Laetitia Brodard
> “Our Arthur has now left to party in paradise.”
Seventeen patients received care in France, with a total of 35 patients transferred from Switzerland to five European countries, including Germany, Italy and Belgium.
International Response
Swiss President Guy Parmelin announced a national day of mourning for Jan 9, while France’s Health Minister Stéphanie Rist reported that 17 patients were in France.
Key Takeaways
- 40 dead, 119 injured in the Le Constellation bar fire.
- Bar managers face criminal charges for involuntary homicide and fire-causing negligence.
- The incident has prompted a national day of mourning and international patient transfers.
The investigation continues as the community mourns and seeks accountability.
