In Remembrance and Solidarity with Crans-Montana
Monday, January 5th, 2026
At the Swiss Benevolent Society, we are deeply saddened by the tragic fire in Crans-Montana. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by this heartbreaking event. We stand in remembrance and solidarity with the wider Swiss and international community during this time of loss.
According to the Swiss Federal Council, the National Day of Mourning on 9th January 2026 is being observed in close coordination with the churches as a collective moment of reflection and respect. As announced by Guy Parmelin, church bells across Switzerland will ring at 14:00 pm (GMT+1), accompanied by a nationwide moment of silence. Flags on federal buildings and Swiss representations abroad are being flown at half-mast as a sign of solidarity with the victims, their families, and all those affected. The Federal Council has emphasised the importance of unity, dignity, and shared remembrance during this time of national and international grief.
The Swiss Church London will open on Friday, 9th January 2026 for all who wish to pay their respects. It will be a place of reflection and commemoration from 12:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Candles will be lit in memory of the victims, and the official church service from Switzerland will be broadcast live. Everyone is warmly invited to attend or to share this information with others who may wish to join this moment of remembrance.
We reflect with compassion and hold hope in our hearts for those injured and their recovery, and we express our gratitude to all emergency responders and care providers involved.
Further information about the National Day of Mourning is available here:
swissinfo.ch/national-day-of-mourning
Around 40 people are dead and 119 seriously injured after a fire tore through the “Le Constellation” bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana in southern Switzerland on January 1, police say. Keystone / Jean-Christophe Bott
In addition, the Swiss Federal Council has opened an official online book of condolences. Those who wish to express their sympathy and solidarity are invited to leave a message via the official platform below:
www.admin.ch/condoleances
As a welfare organisation supporting Swiss nationals in the United Kingdom, we recognise that tragedies of this nature can have a profound impact far beyond national borders. Swiss nationals in the UK who have family members or friends affected by the events in Crans-Montana, or who may need emotional, practical, or welfare-related support, are warmly encouraged to contact our Welfare Office. We are here to listen and to support you during this difficult time.