Funerals for five of the six Italian victims of the New Year’s Eve Crans-Montana nightclub fire tragedy were held Wednesday across Italy, drawing expressions of grief and calls for a thorough investigation. The ceremonies took place in Rome, Bologna, and Milan, honoring the young lives lost in the incident that shocked both Italy and Switzerland. The funerals mark a somber start to the new year for the families and communities impacted by the devastating event.
The victims, all young people enjoying the New Year’s celebrations, have been identified as Riccardo Minghetti, Giovanni Tamburi, Achille Barosi, Chiara Costanzo, Sofia Prosperi, and Emanuele Galeppini. Italian schools observed a moment of silence in their memory, and institutions attended by the students suspended classes to allow for remembrance and support during this difficult time. A commemoration with both the Italian and French presidents is planned for Friday in Switzerland.
The Aftermath of the Crans-Montana Tragedy
The funerals were steeped in emotion as family and friends gathered to mourn the loss of their loved ones. Andrea Costanzo, the father of victim Chiara Costanzo, spoke to Italian media, expressing the need for accountability. “Italy has shown truly remarkable humanity and sensitivity, but now it is time to show professionalism and efficiency and uncover everything,” he said, emphasizing the desire for truth and prevention of future occurrences.
Many expressed grief and frustration over the circumstances of the fire, questioning safety protocols at the Le Constellation nightclub. A friend of one of the victims told Corriere della Sera, “It’s not the fault of those who were celebrating New Year’s Eve if the club caught fire… It’s not right that they died because the club was not up to standard.” The focus now shifts towards the investigation.
Funerals Held Across Italy
In Rome, a large crowd attended the funeral of 16-year-old Riccardo Minghetti at the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul. Approximately 600 people, including the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, were in attendance to pay their respects. A banner displayed inside the church read, “Riccardo lives on in all of us,” a heartfelt tribute to the young man’s memory. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Order of Engineers of the Province of Rome and his classmates.
Meanwhile, in Bologna, St. Peter’s Cathedral hosted the funeral for 16-year-old Giovanni Tamburi. Family, friends, and fellow students from the Righi high school filled the cathedral to remember the beloved teenager. University Minister Anna Maria Bernini, Culture Undersecretary Lucia Borgonzoni, Emilia-Romagna President Michele de Pascale, and Bologna Mayor Matteo Lepore were among those present. Giovanni’s father delivered a poignant eulogy, describing his son as “beautiful outside and inside” and expressing the devastating impact of his loss.
Milan Mourns Chiara Costanzo and Achille Barosi
Milan held funerals for two more of the victims, 16-year-olds Chiara Costanzo and Achille Barosi. Achille’s service took place at the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, while Chiara’s was held at Santa Maria delle Grazie. Mayor Giuseppe Sala of Milan, along with regional and national ministers, attended Chiara’s funeral. The Moreschi Institute, where Chiara studied, observed a day of mourning in her honor, and a minute of silence was held at Achille’s school, the Orsoline Institute. This nightclub fire has prompted reviews of safety regulations.
Remaining Services and Commemoration
The funeral for 15-year-old Sofia Prosperi is scheduled to take place in Lugano, Switzerland, with a request from her father for media respect during the grieving process. The service will be led by Bishop Alain de Reamy in the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. The funeral of Emanuele Galeppini, 17, is expected to be a private affair in Genoa on Thursday.
Looking ahead, a larger commemorative event is planned for Friday in Switzerland, where the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella and French President Emmanuel Macron will join in remembrance of all 40 victims of the fire. The investigation into the cause of the tragedy continues, with authorities examining potential causes, including the use of fireworks, and reviewing safety standards at the Le Constellation nightclub.
