A solemn Mass was held on Sunday for the victims of the devastating New Year's Eve bar fire in the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana, which claimed 40 lives and left many severely injured.

Distraught parents, some still awaiting news of their children, joined teenagers and police officers in shared grief, beginning the arduous process of mourning.

The service, held at the Chapelle St-Christophe in Crans-Montana, saw attendees comforting one another.

The service, held at the Chapelle St-Christophe in Crans-Montana, saw attendees comforting one another (© KEYSTONE / JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT)

Inside the crowded pews, a grieving woman listened intently, her hands clasped, occasionally clutching rosary beads, as readings were delivered in German, French, and Italian. Despite freezing temperatures, hundreds more followed the Mass on a screen installed outside the church.

A silent march to the site of the tragedy was scheduled to follow the service.

A silent march to the site of the tragedy was scheduled to follow the service (AP Photo/ Antonio Calanni)

The Rev. Gilles Cavin spoke of the “terrible uncertainty” for families unsure if their loved ones are among the dead or still alive among the injured. “We pray for their friends hard hit by misery on this day that was meant to be one of festivities and friendship,” he said.

Forty people died and 119 were injured in the blaze that broke out around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday at Le Constellation bar. Police have said many of the victims were in their teens to mid-20s.

By Sunday morning, Swiss authorities identified 24 out of the 40 fatalities.

They include 18 Swiss citizens aged 14 to 31 years, two Italians 16 years old, one dual citizen of Italy and the United Arab Emirates also 16 years old, an 18-year-old Romanian, a 39-year-old French and a Turkish citizen, 18.

A woman holds a wreath outside the Chapelle St-Christophe during a memorial mass in Crans-Montana (AP Photo/ Antonio Calanni)