Silent procession of 2,000 people fill the street for mass in Swiss ski resort after New Year fire which killed 40 people
A silent mourning procession filled the main street of Crans-Montana today as more than 2,000 people attended a mass at the Swiss ski resort following the New Year’s fire that killed nearly 40 people.
Many of those marching along the main street towards the makeshift shrine outside Le Constellation bar carried flowers as the gathering moved up the hill towards the scene of the tragedy.
People of all ages and scores of children stood in -8C outside the town’s St Christopher’s Church in bright morning sunshine, joining police and firefighters as the service inside was streamed over speakers and a large screen.
The priest nearly burst into tears as he read Pope Leo’s message to the grieving Alpine community.
Roman Catholic Bishop of Zion Jean-Marie Lovey stumbled a little at the Pope’s words before reading them.
The telegram from Pope Leo
‘May the Mother of God in her compassion grant the consolation of faith and keep them in hope to all those affected by this tragedy.’
The moving ceremony took place after Swiss authorities announced that 16 more bodies of those who died in the inferno had been identified, bringing the list of those officially identified to 24.
A silent mourning procession filled Crans-Montana’s main street today as more than 2,000 people attended a service at the Swiss ski resort following the New Year’s fire that killed nearly 40 people.
Dramatic video captured the moment the ceiling of Le Constellation bar in Sweden caught fire
People of all ages and scores of children joined police and fire crews in the bright morning sunshine to stand at -8C outside the town’s St Christopher’s Church, where the service inside was streamed via speakers and a big screen.
Only six of the 119 people, most of whom were seriously injured in the fire, could not be identified.
Police said the youngest person was a 14-year-old Swiss girl, while nine others were under 18. Police said that the group included people of Swiss, Italian, Romanian, Turkish and French nationality.
Eight Swiss citizens were identified on Saturday.
As the criminal investigation continues into the people who run Le Constellation bar, French Corsican couple Jacques and Jessica Morette, families of the victims endure an agonizing wait for information about their loved ones who are still thought to be missing.
In the overflowing pews, a grieving woman listened intently as speakers gave readings in German, French and Italian, hands clenched and sometimes clutching rosary beads.
Another of the celebrants, Reverend Gilles Cavin, spoke of the ‘terrible uncertainty’ experienced by families who are unsure whether their loved ones are still alive among the dead or among the wounded. ‘On this day, which should be a day of festivity and friendship, we pray for his friends who have been hit hard by misery,’ he said.
One of the officially identified victims was 16-year-old Arthur Brodard, whose mother was frantically searching for him.
“Our Arthur has now left to party in heaven,” a visibly shaken Laetitia Brodard said in a story posted on Facebook Saturday night.
‘We can begin to grieve knowing that he is at peace and in the light.’
Ms. Brodard’s frantic search for her son reflected the desperation of families of young people missing in the aftermath of the fire, who did not know whether their loved ones had died or were in hospital.
Women stand with flowers as they mourn the 40 people killed in the devastating fire at Le Constellation bar in Sweden
Footage shows the moment before a deadly New Year’s Eve fire broke out at a Swiss ski resort bar, killing at least 40 people. A waiter was seen dancing under foam soundproof panels in the ceiling and waving a lit sparkler, which then caught fire.
Swiss authorities said the process of identifying the victims was particularly difficult because the burns were severe and required the use of DNA samples. Ms. Brodard had provided a DNA sample to assist in the identification process.
While he anxiously waited for news of his son, he thanked those who “witnessed their compassion and love” and shared information in his Facebook post.
Investigators said Friday they believe sparkling candles affixed to the tops of champagne bottles ignited the fire when they got too close to the ceiling of the crowded bar.
Officials plan to investigate whether the soundproofing foam on the ceiling complies with regulations and whether candles are allowed in the bar. Officials said they will also look at other security measures at the facility, including fire extinguishers and escape routes.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin declared a national day of mourning for those who lost their lives on January 9.
