THE King and Queen have expressed their “deepest possible sympathy” to the Swiss President, Guy Parmelin, after about 40 people died and 115 were injured in a fire in Crans-Montana, a ski resort in the Alps, in the early hours of New Year’s Day.
The fire broke out in a bar, Le Constellation, at about 1.30 a.m. local time, during New Year celebrations. The cause is yet to be confirmed.
Mr Parmelin described the fire as “one of the worst tragedies our country has ever experienced”.
In a message to Mr Parmelin, the King wrote that he and the Queen had been “appalled, and greatly saddened” to learn of “the devastating fire”.
He continued: “It is utterly heartbreaking that a night of celebration for young people and families instead turned to such a nightmarish tragedy.
“While offering our admiration for the heroic first responders and the selfless emergency services, we wanted, above all, to convey our deepest possible sympathy to all those who have been so dreadfully affected by this horrific disaster.
“Our most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of all those who have so tragically lost their lives and with those who remain in a critical condition in hospital.”
The general secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), the Revd Professor Jerry Pillay, wrote to Mr Parmelin on New Year’s Day to express the WCC’s “most sincere condolences”.
“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 wrote. “We commend the dedicated efforts of your government to alleviate the suffering of the affected families and to provide indispensable care to those who remain hospitalized, and we pray for their full and swift recovery.
“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.”
In a pastoral letter addressed to churches in Switzerland, Professor Pillay wrote: “You are not alone. People around the world are praying for you, mourning with you, and standing with you in solidarity. 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.”
