Select Language:
A sign reading “Compassion for the victims and their families, Rest in Peace, you are all our children” is displayed at a makeshift memorial outside the “Le Constellation” bar, following a fatal fire and explosion during a New Year’s Eve celebration in the upscale ski resort of Crans-Montana in southwestern Switzerland, January 3, 2026. — Reuters
Young teenagers, some as young as 14 and 15, were among those who lost their lives in the devastating bar fire that claimed 40 lives in Switzerland, police announced Sunday, as the Pope extended his condolences to the victims and their loved ones.
Authorities in Valais reported the identification of 16 additional victims of the Crans-Montana tragedy, marking it as one of the deadliest incidents in recent Swiss history.
The newly confirmed victims included 10 Swiss citizens, two Italians, one individual with dual Italian-Emirati nationality, a Romanian, a French national, and a person from Turkey. Names have not been publicly released.
Hundreds gathered for a church service in the town on Sunday morning. Bishop Jean-Marie Lovey expressed heartfelt sympathies, noting that condolences had poured in from across the globe, including from the Pope.
“Countless individuals are mourning with us—people whose hearts are shattered,” Lovey told the congregation. “We have received numerous messages of sympathy and solidarity from around the world.”
“Pope Leo XIV joins us in our grief,” he added. “In a touching message, he shares his compassion and concern for the victims’ families, offering strength to everyone enduring this pain.”
### Additional Victim Identification
The youngest confirmed victim is a 14-year-old Swiss girl, with two more Swiss girls aged 15 also among the deceased. Police said ten other victims, aged 16 to 18, have been identified. Also identified were two Swiss men aged 20 and 31, along with a 39-year-old French national.
Previously, late Saturday, authorities identified two Swiss women aged 24 and 22, alongside two Swiss men aged 21 and 18.
The family of 16-year-old Swiss boy Arthur Brodard confirmed overnight that he was among those who perished.
“Our Arthur has gone to party in heaven,” Laetitia Brodard-Sitre shared on Facebook.
“Now we can begin mourning in peace, knowing he is at rest,” she added.
### National Mourning Day
Switzerland has announced a national day of mourning for Friday, with the country’s president, Guy Parmelin, stating that church bells will toll and a moment of silence will be observed nationwide.
“During this time of reflection, everyone in Switzerland can remember the victims personally,” Parmelin told Sonntagsblick newspaper.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire likely started when “fountain candle” sparklers were held too close to the ceiling at the Constellation bar.
Injuries were widespread, with approximately 119 people hurt, many suffering severe burns. Several victims were transferred to burn units across Europe. Efforts to identify the dead and injured are ongoing, authorities said.
Two individuals associated with operating the bar are currently under criminal investigation on charges including negligent homicide, prosecutors announced Saturday.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
