King Charles issues statement on 'heartbreaking' fire in Switzerland
The tragedy occurred during New Year celebrationsKing Charles has issued a moving statement following the tragic fire in Switzerland.
At least 40 people have reportedly died and another 115 injured after a deadly blaze tore through a bar at a ski resort in the early hours of Thursday (January 1).
The incident took place during New Year celebrations at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, a popular ski resort in southwestern Switzerland. The fire broke out at just after half past one in the morning local time, with dozens of ambulances and hundreds of emergency responders sent to the scene.
While investigators have yet to determine the cause of the fire, they have reportedly ruled out the possibility of an attack.
King Charles ‘appalled’ by Switzerland fire
Taking to the royal family’s official social media channels on Thursday night, the king shared a personal message on behalf of himself and Queen Camilla to all those affected by the tragedy.
“My wife and I were appalled, and greatly saddened, to learn of the devastating fire last night in Crans-Montana, in Switzerland,” he wrote. “It is utterly heartbreaking that a night of celebration for young people and families instead turned to such nightmarish tragedy.”
It is utterly heartbreaking that a night of celebration for young people and families instead turned to such nightmarish tragedy.
The king continued: “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 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 monarch then signed off the message: “Charles R.”
Investigation into Switzerland fire ongoing
The identities of many of the victims of the fire, believed to be of several different nationalities, remain unknown.
Officials have warned that the identification process could take weeks, due to the severity of the fire.
A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office told the BBC: “Our thoughts are with all those injured and killed in the terrible tragedy in Crans-Montana, and we pay tribute to the Swiss emergency services who are leading the response.”
“We will continue to monitor the situation, and our consular staff stand ready to support any British nationals.”
During a press conference on Thursday, Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the fire as “a calamity of unprecedented, terrifying proportions”. He also added that it was “one of the worst tragedies that our country has experienced”.
Our thoughts are with those affected.
This isn’t the first time the king has spoken out on tragedies. In December, he issued a statement on the horrific mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.
He said at the time: “In times of hurt, Australians always rally together in unity and resolve. I know that the spirit of community and love that shines so brightly in Australia – and the light at the heart of the Chanukah festival – will always triumph over the darkness of such evil.”
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