King Charles has sent a message of condolence to the President of Switzerland following a devastating fire in the alpine resort town of Crans-Montana.
The King expressed sympathy for the victims, their families, and those injured.
In the message, issued after the incident on Saturday night, he said he and Queen Camilla were appalled and deeply saddened to learn of the fire, which occurred during what had been intended as a night of celebration.
“My wife and I were appalled and greatly saddened to learn of the devastating fire last night in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. It is utterly heartbreaking that a night of celebration for young people and families instead turned into such a tragic event,” he said.
“While offering our admiration for the heroic first responders and selfless emergency services, we wanted, above all, to convey our deepest sympathy to all those who have been so dreadfully affected by this horrific disaster.”
The King praised the emergency services and first responders for their courage and selflessness in responding to the disaster, noting that his foremost intention was to convey his deepest sympathy to all those affected.
“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 critical condition in hospital,” the statement read.
Swiss authorities are continuing investigations into the cause of the fire, which left several people dead and many others injured. Emergency services worked through the night to contain the blaze and assist victims.
According to the BBC, around 40 people died after the fire ripped through a bar in the ski resort. A further 115 people were injured, many of them severely.
The fire broke out at around 01:30 local time (00:30 GMT) during New Year celebrations in a bar called Le Constellation in Crans-Montana.
Many of the injured were sent to Sion Hospital in Valais, with a significant number reported to be in critical condition, Regional Governor Mathias Reynard said.
The U.S. Embassy in Bern also expressed condolences following the tragic fire. In a press statement issued on January 1, the embassy said it was deeply saddened and extended its sympathies to the victims and their families.
“The U.S. Embassy in Bern is deeply saddened by the tragic fire that occurred overnight in Crans-Montana. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their lives, those who were injured, and their loved ones. We extend our sincere appreciation to the first responders and emergency personnel for their swift and courageous efforts. The Embassy is in close contact with the relevant Swiss authorities,” the statement read.
The embassy noted that Swiss authorities have established a hotline for victims and their families at +41 848 112 117, while U.S. citizens requiring assistance can contact the embassy in Bern at +41 31 357 7011.
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