In a poignant display of remembrance, dozens of skiers gathered on the slopes of the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana to pay tribute to the victims of last week's devastating fire.
A Silent Tribute on the Slopes
The skiers carefully arranged themselves into the shape of a large heart on the snow, creating a powerful and silent memorial visible across the mountainside. This act of collective grief came as the community continues to reel from the tragedy that struck in the early hours of New Year's Day.
The fire broke out inside the crowded Le Constellation bar in the popular resort. It spread with terrifying speed, resulting in the deaths of forty people and leaving 116 others injured. Swiss authorities have now confirmed that all of those injured have been formally identified by police.
Cause of the Tragedy
Investigators believe the blaze originated in the basement of the bar. The suspected cause is sparklers attached to champagne bottles being held too close to the ceiling. Social media images from before the incident suggest the ceiling was clad with soundproofing foam, a material which can be highly flammable.
The combination of a packed venue celebrating the New Year and the rapidly spreading fire led to one of Switzerland's worst peacetime disasters in recent memory. The local community has expressed profound shock, with many stating "It has hit us very hard" as the full scale of the loss becomes clear.
A Community in Mourning
The skiers' heart-shaped tribute is a symbol of the deep grief that has gripped Crans-Montana. As police work continues to identify more victims and support the injured, the resort known for its winter sports and vibrant atmosphere is now united in sorrow.
The event underscores the tragic consequences of the fire and the long process of recovery facing the survivors and the families of those who lost their lives. The visual memorial on the slopes serves as a stark reminder of the lives cut short during what should have been a time of celebration.
