Authorities have confirmed that among the 40 victims of a New Year’s Eve bar fire in Switzerland, there were a 14-year-old girl and two 15-year-old girls. The incident has been described as one of the deadliest recent disasters in the country.
Police in Valais have identified several more victims, bringing the total to 16 new names, which include 10 individuals from Switzerland, along with others from Italy, Romania, France, and Turkey. Their identities have not all been disclosed.
Mourners gathered for a church service in the area, where Bishop Jean-Marie Lavie noted that condolences have poured in from around the world, even reaching Pope Leo XIV.
“Countless people are sharing in our grief,” Lavie remarked. “The outpouring of sympathy has been significant.” He also mentioned that the Pope extended his compassion and support to the affected families.
The youngest victim was the 14-year-old Swiss girl, with the other deceased teens aged between 16 and 18. Authorities have now officially identified 24 individuals who lost their lives in this tragic event.
Additionally, two Swiss men aged 20 and 31, as well as a 39-year-old French man, were among those identified. Notably, late updates revealed the identification of two women aged 24 and 22, alongside two men aged 21 and 18.
The grieving mother of 16-year-old Arthur Brodard confirmed his death, sharing her sorrow on social media. “Our Arthur has left to party in heaven,” she expressed, finding solace in the belief that he is at peace now.
The fire is believed to have been caused by a sparkler that ignited when it came too close to the ceiling at the Constellation Bar. The situation was dire, with approximately 119 others suffering from injuries, some quite severe, and many were transferred to burn units across European hospitals.
As the investigation continues, prosecutors are looking into potential charges of manslaughter against the bar’s owners.
