Switzerland observed a solemn national day of mourning on Friday, honouring the 40 individuals who lost their lives in a devastating fire at an Alpine bar during New Year's Eve celebrations. The tragedy, which also left 116 people injured, has triggered criminal investigations in Switzerland and prompted separate probes by Italian and French authorities.
National Mourning and Memorial Service
The nation came to a standstill as church bells rang for five minutes starting at 2 pm, marking a collective moment of grief. A memorial service and a minute's silence were held to pay respects to the victims. The fire erupted at the Le Constellation bar in the resort town of Crans-Montana in the early hours of January 1, less than two hours after midnight.
Causes and Criminal Investigation
Preliminary findings from investigators point to sparkling candles placed atop Champagne bottles as the likely ignition source. It is believed the flames reached the ceiling's soundproofing material. Authorities are now examining whether this material met safety regulations and if the use of such candles was permitted on the premises. Notably, fire safety inspections had not been conducted at the bar since 2019.
The severity of the incident has led Swiss prosecutors to open a criminal case against the bar's managers. The two individuals are suspected of involuntary homicide, involuntary bodily harm, and involuntarily causing a fire. The identification process for some victims proved challenging due to the extent of burns, requiring families to provide DNA samples. Police noted many victims were aged from their teens to mid-20s.
International Response and Separate Probes
The tragedy has drawn a strong international response, given the number of foreign nationals affected. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni addressed the press, stating, "What happened is not a disaster: It's the result of too many people who didn't do their job or who thought they were making easy money." She vowed that the families would not be left alone in their quest for justice.
In a significant development, the Rome prosecutor's office has initiated its own investigation into the blaze, with allegations of manslaughter and arson, as reported by Italian media. Autopsies have been ordered for five of the six Italian victims, with procedures delegated to prosecutors in Milan, Bologna, and Genoa. Meloni confirmed that Italy's State Attorney General's Office is in contact with Swiss authorities to follow the investigation.
Similarly, the Paris prosecutor's office announced on Monday the opening of an investigation to assist the Swiss probe and facilitate communication for the families of French victims. The fire claimed the lives of nine French citizens, the youngest being 14 years old, and injured 23 others.
