Swiss New Year Fire Tragedy: WCC Offers Condolences and Support

Mourners in Crans-Montana remember the 40 lives lost in a tragic fire. WCC and global community offer prayers and support.

Tragic New Year’s Fire in Crans-Montana Claims Lives and Sparks Global Mourning

Mourners gather near the bar Le Constellation where a fire ripped through the venue during New Year’s celebrations in the Alpine ski resort town of Crans-Montana killing around 40 people and injuring more than 100 others, in Crans-Montana on Jan. 2, 2026. Investigators raced on Jan. 2, 2026, to identify the victims of a fire that ripped through a bar in the Swiss Alps town of Crans-Montana, turning a New Year’s celebration into one of the country’s worst tragedies. Frederic Gisler, police commander in the Wallis canton in southwestern Switzerland, told reporters that authorities had counted “around 40 people who have died and around 115 injured, most of them seriously.” | MAXIME SCHMID/AFP via Getty Images

A devastating fire during New Year’s celebrations at a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has left the nation and the world in mourning. The blaze at Le Constellation resulted in the deaths of at least 40 individuals, with over 119 more injured, many of them severely.

The World Council of Churches (WCC), headquartered in Switzerland, has offered its condolences and support to those affected by the tragedy. Rev. Jerry Pillay, the WCC’s general secretary, conveyed his sympathies in a letter to Swiss President Guy Parmelin. “Our hearts go out to you, and especially to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, in this moment of unimaginable grief and sorrow,” he expressed.

Rev. Pillay further acknowledged the efforts of the Swiss government in supporting the victims and their families, emphasizing the WCC’s prayers for the swift recovery of those hospitalized. “We hold you and your nation in our prayers as you mourn the dead. We also remember in particular all those who are offering care and support to the many people affected by this tragedy, including victims and families of different nationalities,” he added.

In another letter addressed to Swiss churches, Pillay urged them to find solace in community support and reassured them of the global community’s solidarity. “You are not alone. People around the world are praying for you, mourning with you, and standing with you in solidarity,” he noted. “May you find strength and comfort in one another, and may the memories of your loved ones become a source of light and peace in the difficult days ahead.”

The fire ignited at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time, and the injured are currently receiving treatment in several hospitals across the region. Regional Governor Mathias Reynard reported that a significant number of those injured are in critical condition.

While the exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, authorities have dismissed the possibility of an attack. The number of patrons present in the bar at the time of the incident is still unclear.

President Parmelin described the blaze as “one of the worst tragedies that our country has experienced.” In the wake of the disaster, flowers have been placed at the scene, and a vigil was organized by the Montana Station Church to honor the victims.

This article was originally published at Christian Today

This article was originally written by www.christianpost.com