The disaster in Crans-Montana VS caused consternation at home and abroad. Numerous countries assured Switzerland of their solidarity and sympathy on New Year’s Day.
Jan 1, 2026, 2:37 p.mJan 1, 2026, 2:38 p.m
Guy Parmelin, Federal President
Federal President Parmelin expresses his condolences to relatives Federal President Guy Parmelin expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims and those injured in Crans-Montana. His thoughts are with them, he wrote on Thursday on the short message service X.
Image: screenshot x
“What was supposed to be a moment of joy turned into sadness that night in Crans-Montana that affected the whole of Switzerland and abroad.”
Guy Parmelin
The Federal Council “acknowledged the tragedy with deep dismay”.
Alain Berset, President of the Council of Europe
Council of Europe President and former Federal Councilor Alain Berset wrote on X that he was deeply shocked and saddened by the drama that occurred that night in Crans-Montana. His thoughts are with the victims, their families and their loved ones.
Image: Screenshot X
Johann Wadephul, Foreign Minister of Germany
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul was “deeply shocked” by the deadly fire in Crans-Montana.
Image: keystone
Emmanuel Macron, President of France
French President Emmanuel Macron was deeply shocked by the events on the Valais plateau. He wrote on X:
“My thoughts are with the grieving families and the injured. To Switzerland, its people and its authorities, I express the full solidarity of France and our fraternal support.”
Emmanuel Macron
Image: Screenshot X
Sergio Mattarella, President of Italy
Italian President Sergio Mattarella addressed Federal President Parmelin in a message:
“In this sad situation, I would like to convey to you, Mr. President, the expressions of deep condolences and compassion of the Italian Republic as well as my personal condolences.”
Sergio Mattarella
Image: keystone
Antonio Tajani, Foreign Minister of Italy
The Italian Foreign Minister conveyed Italy’s condolences to Switzerland and his counterpart Ignazio Cassis. At the same time, it is being checked whether there are Italian nationals among the victims.
Image: keystone
British Foreign Office
The British Foreign Office paid tribute to the Swiss rescue services for their efforts.
Andrii Sybiha, Foreign Minister of Ukraine
Expressions of solidarity also came from Kyiv. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister said his country’s thoughts were with those affected and wished those injured a speedy recovery. Ukraine is on Switzerland’s side.
Image: keystone
Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan
Expressions of solidarity also came from abroad. Shehbaz Sharif wrote on X that Islamabad was deeply shocked by the fire in the Swiss ski resort bar. He expressed his condolences for the victims and their families and declared Pakistan’s solidarity with Switzerland.
Image: screenshot x
Swiss cantons
Several cantons assured the Valais authorities of their support in dealing with the disaster. The canton of Vaud sent, among other things, a psychological support team to Valais and specialists to support the Valais police.
Diocese of Sitten
The Diocese of Sion also expressed its dismay in a communiqué. For hundreds of people, New Year’s Eve turned into a terrible catastrophe. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.”
Update follows…
(mke/sda)