News - Switzerland is mourning the victims of the Alpine bar fire.

Switzerland will gather for a solemn national day of mourning this Friday, marked by a memorial service to honor the 40 lives claimed by a devastating fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana. The tragic event, which occurred during New Year's celebrations, has left the nation in shock and sorrow. The fire ignited shortly after the New Year, injuring 116 individuals, many of whom sustained severe injuries. Investigations reveal that the blaze was triggered by decorative sparkling candles placed on Champagne bottles, which ignited the ceiling of the crowded venue in the Alpine resort town. Authorities are examining whether the bar adhered to safety regulations, particularly concerning the compliance of soundproofing materials used in the ceiling and the legality of employing sparkling candles for marketing purposes. Importantly, the bar's last fire safety inspection dates back to 2019. The victims' families endured the heart-wrenching task of providing DNA samples for identification due to the severe burns suffered by many of the deceased, predominantly young individuals in their teens and twenties. In response, Swiss authorities have filed criminal charges against the bar's managers for involuntary manslaughter, bodily harm, and negligence leading to the fire. This move is part of a broader legal and safety inquiry initiated by the tragedy. On the national day of mourning, Swiss churches will toll their bells for five minutes starting at 2 p.m. local time, and a nationwide minute of silence will be observed to remember the victims. In Italy, the Rome prosecutor's office has commenced its own investigation into charges of manslaughter and arson, following Premier Giorgia Meloni's appeal for accountability and assurance to the victims' families that justice will be pursued. Forensic examinations for Italian victims are being carried out by regional legal offices. In France, authorities are working alongside Swiss investigators to aid affected families, as French citizens were also among the victims, including the loss of a 14-year-old. Legal measures have been implemented to facilitate communication between families and investigators, fostering international cooperation in the quest for justice. These events have elicited a profound reaction from neighboring countries, highlighting the tragic nature of the incident exacerbated by regulatory lapses and safety shortcomings. Together, Switzerland and its neighboring nations are united in grief and a determined effort to hold those accountable while ensuring the victims' families receive the support and justice they rightfully deserve.