Fire disaster Parmelin: The country forms "a single family of victims"
The fire disaster in Crans-Montana has turned Switzerland into "a single grieving family". President Guy Parmelin said this in his speech at the memorial ceremony in Martigny in Valais. Switzerland was shocked by the tragedy.
09.01.2026, 14:56
SDA
On January 9, we remember all those who lost their lives or suffered serious injuries on New Year's Day. It is a day of remembrance and love - especially for the parents, siblings, relatives and friends of the victims, but also for the population who shared in the tragedy in Crans-Montana.
"On New Year's Day, we were hit by an unimaginable tragedy, a tragedy that - I would like to emphasize this - has united the whole of Switzerland in grief," said Parmelin. He could probably speak on behalf of the whole country when he said that people had come together on this day to bear the burden of this disaster together. "It will not become any lighter, but if this day can contribute even a little to alleviating our infinite grief, then it has already fulfilled its purpose."
Abrupt end to young lives
When people remember this terrible night, they think above all of the 156 victims and how happy and carefree they were just a moment ago. Many of these young people were on vacation. "And here, of all places, their lives, which had just been characterized by peaceful and relaxed togetherness, came to an abrupt end."
This tragedy has caused deep consternation in Switzerland. "Switzerland bows to those who are no longer with us and stands by those who have a long and arduous recovery ahead of them."
Switzerland will continue to stand by all families at home and abroad whose lives have been so brutally and irrevocably changed by this catastrophe. "We are deeply grateful for the countless signs of sympathy and the great medical support we have received at home and abroad."
Parmelin went on to say that this solidarity was touching and committed. "We know today that we are not alone in this emergency." Last but not least, we would like to thank "from the bottom of our hearts all those who have worked in whatever way to save lives, identify missing persons and seek the truth." After all, the relationship of trust between the institutions and the society they serve is based on this.
Justice should uncover misconduct
Hope will return - to a life that for some will be characterized by the infinite emptiness of loss and for others by the arduous, lengthy and uncertain process of recovery. "It gives you the strength to dry your tears. It is able to heal, even if it is not always tangible."
Hope also arises from the certainty that the Swiss justice system is able to uncover and punish misconduct quickly and relentlessly, said Parmelin. "We not only have a state obligation, but also a moral responsibility. "einzi
However, the national day of mourning also obliges us to look ahead. The responsible authorities and legislators must learn the necessary lessons from what happened to ensure that publicly accessible facilities meet the highest possible security standards in future.
For Parmelin, the words "unthinkable, unspeakable, invisible" ultimately reflect the bewilderment "that we still feel in the face of the disaster".
"Unthinkable, because a country in which thoroughness and reliability are as important as they are in ours must be able to recognize the risks that can lurk anywhere and at any time. Unspeakable, because words are not enough to describe or even measure the loss, grief and suffering. Despite everything, we are trying to find words today. We do well to do so. Because comfort is not only found in silence, however pleasant it may be. Invisible, after all, because so many of our children are no longer with us. They left us in a bar that was named after a constellation. From now on, they will continue to shine in our memories."
