Switzerland observed a national day of mourning on Friday to remember the 40 dead and over 100 injured in the Crans-Montana fire disaster. At 2pm, church bells rang across the country and a minute of silence was observed.
More than 1,000 people gathered for the ceremony in Martigny.
On New Year’s Eve, a fire broke out in a bar in Crans-Montana and spread rapidly, turning into a deadly trap for around 40 people. Many young people lost their lives, the youngest victim being just 14 years old. A total of 116 people were injured, some with life-threatening injuries.
A central memorial service was held in Martigny, near Crans-Montana. In addition to survivors, many guests attended from countries that also had injured citizens. Among those present were Italian President Sergio Mattarella, French President Emmanuel Macron, and, representing Luxembourg, Grand Duke Henri.
The Grand Ducal family has owned a chalet in the ski area for many years. Grand Duke Henri visited the site to personally thank the firefighters. Among those who responded to the blaze was a firefighter holding Swiss-Luxembourgish nationality.
A young Luxembourger was also injured in the fire. His father confirmed that he is doing well, suffering only minor burns and abrasions.
Given the circumstances and compared with his friends, the young Luxembourger is quite fortunate. His father added that he had already visited some of those affected, including one in hospital in Paris and a footballer being treated in Metz.
On Friday, the two French owners of the bar where the fatal fire occurred were questioned for the first time. The couple are under investigation for homicide and involuntary injury, as well as for negligent arson.
The bar manager was subsequently arrested, while his wife was allowed to return home. She wants to apologise, according to a statement issued in Sion.
On Tuesday, the couple assured authorities that they would fully cooperate with investigators.
The fire, which started in the basement of the bar, was allegedly caused by firework fountains and sparklers placed in champagne bottles that were too close to the ceiling. The municipality of Crans-Montana also acknowledged that the bar had not undergone a fire safety inspection since 2019.
