Switzerland marked a day of national mourning on Friday with an official memorial service for the victims of a devastating bar fire that broke out on New Year’s Eve in the mountain resort town of Crans-Montana.
As the country remembered those who lost their lives, authorities continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, which killed 40 people and injured more than 100 others.
Originally planned to take place in Crans Montana, the official ceremony was relocated to the town of Martigny, over 50 kilometers to the west, after forecasts warned of heavy snowfall in the resort area. Officials said the decision was made to ensure public safety while allowing the memorial to proceed without disruption.
The service drew an international audience, with leaders and dignitaries from more than 30 countries in attendance. Among them were French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, highlighting the global solidarity shown toward Switzerland in the wake of the disaster.
Speaking at the ceremony, Swiss President Guy Parmelin stressed the importance of learning from the tragedy. He called for decisive action to prevent similar incidents in the future and urged the justice system to thoroughly examine any failures, ensuring those responsible are held accountable promptly and fairly.
At exactly 2:00 p.m. local time, Switzerland came to a standstill. Church bells rang across the nation, train whistles echoed throughout the country and a minute of silence was observed to honor the victims.
Earlier in the day, prosecutors questioned Jacques Moretti and Jessica Moretti, the owners of the “Constellation” bar where the fire occurred. The couple are suspects facing serious charges, including manslaughter, assault and arson, with Jacques Moretti currently in pretrial detention. Authorities noted that the bar’s last safety inspection was conducted in January 2019.
In addition to the national ceremony, a separate memorial was held in Crans-Montana, where residents gathered with white roses to pay tribute, reflecting the nation’s shared grief and remembrance.