Churches across Switzerland will open their doors for prayer, silence and pastoral support on Friday as the country observes a national day of mourning following a deadly New Year’s Eve fire in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana that killed 40 people.
The Swiss Evangelical Alliance said evangelical churches are joining the nationwide observance called by Switzerland’s Federal Council, alongside national and free churches, to remember the victims, stand in solidarity with the injured and offer comfort to grieving families.
At 2 p.m. on Friday, church bells will ring throughout the country while an official state memorial ceremony takes place in Martigny. The Federal Council has invited the public to observe a minute of silence in remembrance of those who died, in solidarity with the injured and their families, and in gratitude to emergency responders and care workers who have been involved in the crisis response.
According to the Swiss Evangelical Alliance, churches provide a space where people can express grief, ask difficult questions and bring feelings of sorrow and helplessness before God. The alliance said it has encouraged churches within its evangelical network, as well as others beyond it, to open their buildings for prayer, quiet reflection and mourning.
Where possible, churches have been encouraged to make trained pastoral caregivers available for conversation, and in some locations local congregations are expected to work together to welcome members of the public seeking a listening ear or a place of silence.
The fire broke out shortly after midnight on New Year’s Eve at Le Constellation, a crowded bar in Crans-Montana. Authorities said 40 people were killed and at least 116 injured, many with severe burns. Most of the victims were young, including eight under the age of 16.
Swiss prosecutors believe the blaze started when champagne bottles fitted with sparklers ignited sound-insulating foam on the ceiling. Two bar managers, identified as a French couple, have been placed under criminal investigation on suspicion of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence. They have not been taken into custody and said in a statement that they are “devastated” and will fully cooperate with the investigation.
The tragedy has also raised questions about safety oversight. Swiss officials acknowledged this week that the venue had not undergone a safety inspection for five years, despite regulations requiring annual checks. The mayor of Crans-Montana said authorities would accept responsibility and announced that sparklers would be banned in local venues.
Funerals for some of the victims have already taken place, while many of the injured continue to receive treatment in hospitals in Switzerland and other European countries.
The Swiss Evangelical Alliance said the national day of mourning offers an opportunity for churches and society to pause together, remember those who died and support those affected as investigations and recovery efforts continue.
