SWITZERLAND HOLDS NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING FOR VICTIMS OF DEADLY ALPINE BAR FIRE. (PHOTO).

 Switzerland holds national day of mourning for victims of deadly Alpine bar fire

 Switzerland is observing a national day of mourning on Friday to honor the 40 people who died in a fire at an Alpine bar during New Year’s celebrations. A memorial service will be held as part of the commemoration.

The blaze erupted shortly after midnight on Jan. 1 at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, injuring 116 others, many critically. Officials believe the fire started when sparkling candles on Champagne bottles came too close to the ceiling. Authorities are investigating whether the bar’s ceiling soundproofing complied with safety rules and whether the candles were permitted, noting that fire inspections had not been conducted since 2019. The intensity of the flames and resulting burns made identifying some victims difficult, requiring families to provide DNA samples. Many of those killed were in their teens or twenties.

Swiss prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into the bar’s managers, who face charges including involuntary homicide, bodily harm, and causing a fire. As part of the national day of mourning, church bells across the country will toll for five minutes at 2 p.m. local time, followed by a minute of silence.

The tragedy is also under investigation in Italy and France. Rome prosecutors are pursuing manslaughter and arson charges, with autopsies ordered for five of the six Italian victims. Italian officials said Swiss authorities are cooperating with the probe. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni condemned the fire as the result of negligence, emphasizing that those responsible must be held accountable and promising support for the victims’ families.

In France, prosecutors opened a separate investigation to assist Swiss authorities and facilitate communication with families of French victims. Nine French citizens died, including a 14-year-old, and 23 others were injured.