In the snow-dusted street outside St Christopher's Church, hundreds joined a special Sunday Mass for the victims of the fire that tore through Le Constellation bar on New Year's Eve. Many hugged each other, crying quietly, as they remembered the dozens killed and those still in hospital with severe burns, fighting for their lives. During the service, several in the crowd fainted and fell to the ground, overcome.
Police say more than 20 of the dead have now been identified, although not named publicly. Their bodies are being returned to their families, some of whom had been holding on to the hope their children might yet be found - injured, but alive. They're now receiving the worst possible news.
Laetitia Brodard, whose teenage son Arthur died in the fire, was at the memorial service being comforted by friends. He died that first day, Laetitia confirmed. In an emotional statement on Facebook, she said Arthur had gone to party in paradise. The victims' bodies were so badly burned by the fire they are difficult to identify. Forensics experts are using DNA samples and dental records, while families await agonizing news.
The bar was packed full of young people that night, many of them just teenagers. Some survivors joined a silent procession after Mass from the church to the bar. A shrine of flowers and soft toys continues to grow. As the crowd applauded firefighters and rescue workers, the local fire commander expressed deep sorrow for the victims and their families, stating he and his colleagues are now a giant family. As investigations are launched into the cause of the fire, locals grapple with the memories of a night that forever changed their lives.
Police say more than 20 of the dead have now been identified, although not named publicly. Their bodies are being returned to their families, some of whom had been holding on to the hope their children might yet be found - injured, but alive. They're now receiving the worst possible news.
Laetitia Brodard, whose teenage son Arthur died in the fire, was at the memorial service being comforted by friends. He died that first day, Laetitia confirmed. In an emotional statement on Facebook, she said Arthur had gone to party in paradise. The victims' bodies were so badly burned by the fire they are difficult to identify. Forensics experts are using DNA samples and dental records, while families await agonizing news.
The bar was packed full of young people that night, many of them just teenagers. Some survivors joined a silent procession after Mass from the church to the bar. A shrine of flowers and soft toys continues to grow. As the crowd applauded firefighters and rescue workers, the local fire commander expressed deep sorrow for the victims and their families, stating he and his colleagues are now a giant family. As investigations are launched into the cause of the fire, locals grapple with the memories of a night that forever changed their lives.
