The World Council of Churches(WCC) said it was “mourning” with Switzerland after a deadly fire during New Year celebrations left dozens dead and many injured.
At least 40 people died and 115 were severely injured, after a fire ripped through the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, according to Swiss authorities, who have warned the death toll coud still rise.
The fire broke out at around 01:30am local time and the injured were treated in multiple hospitals in the region.
Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay, general secretary of the WCC, which is based in Switzerland, expressed condolences in a letter to Swiss president Guy Parmelin.
“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,” Dr Pillay said.
He also commended the government’s efforts to support affected families and prayed for the recovery of those still hospitalised. “We hold you and your nation in our prayers as you mourn the dead,” he said, adding that prayers also extended to caregivers and families of different nationalities.
In an individual pastoral letter to Swiss churches, Dr Pillay encouraged them to draw strength from one another. “You are not alone,” he wrote. “People around the world are praying for you, mourning with you, and standing with you in solidarity.”
Regional governor Mathias Reynard said a “significant number” of those injured were in critical condition.
Authorities ruled out an attack and said the cause of the fire was not confirmed. President Parmelin called the incident “one of the worst tragedies that our country has experienced”.
Flowers have been left near the scene and a vigil was held by the Montana Station Church yesterday.