Incendio en Suiza dejó 40 muertos y más de 100 heridos, gobierno de Colombia expresó sus condolencias: “Se une al duelo”

The Government of Colombia expressed its condolences and solidarity following the blaze that claimed the lives of 40 individuals in a bar in the tourist center of Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

In an official statement released on January 2, 2026, Colombia’s Foreign Ministry conveyed a message of support to the families of the victims and to the Swiss government and people affected by this tragedy.

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According to Colombia’s Foreign Ministry, the official statement extended the national solidarity to those who were injured, wishing for their swift recovery.

The agency emphasized Colombia’s support for the Swiss authorities and rescue agencies dealing with the aftermath of this unfortunate event.

The statement highlighted the importance of supporting the local authorities and Swiss rescue teams during this emergency, reflecting Colombia’s institutional solidarity in times of international mourning. The Foreign Ministry reiterated the nation’s sorrow over the loss of life and affirmed its closeness to the Swiss people.

Ultimately, Colombia reaffirmed the bonds of friendship, cooperation, and respect it shares with the Swiss Confederation, expressing its readiness to maintain a bilateral relationship based on mutual support in times of adversity.

“The Government of Colombia, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the Swiss government, and people affected by the tragedy in Crans-Montana.

Likewise, it expresses solidarity with those injured in this unfortunate event, hoping for their swift and complete recovery.

The Government of Colombia accompanies the Swiss people in this moment of grief and reiterates its sorrow over the loss of human lives, along with its support for the efforts of local authorities and rescue agencies dealing with the consequences of this tragedy.

Colombia reaffirms the bonds of friendship, cooperation, and respect it holds with the Swiss Confederation, joining in the mourning felt by its citizens”.

At least 40 individuals died, and 115 were injured in a fire that erupted in a bar in Crans-Montana, located in the Swiss Alps, during New Year’s celebrations marking the arrival of 2026.

The incident, described as unprecedented in the canton of Valais, affected young people and families attending the traditional New Year’s event, typically one of the most well-attended in the tourist region.

The flames rapidly spread after fireworks tied to bottles were ignited inside the venue when a participant climbed onto a waiter’s shoulders and set off champagne sparklers, igniting the first flames on the ceiling, according to a survivor’s account reported by the EFE agency.

The fire intensified after reaching acoustic panels made from flammable plastic materials. The smoke spread, blocking the main escape route to the terrace, hindering evacuation efforts and access for rescuers.

An investigation is underway, and according to Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud, the primary hypothesis is “a widespread fire that caused an explosion,” although the initial cause remains unconfirmed.

The Health chief of the canton, Mathias Reynard, reported that most of the injured have burns covering over 60% of their bodies and severe respiratory injuries, primarily due to inhaling toxic smoke, leading to their transfer to the specialized unit of the Lausanne Hospital.

Police chief Frederic Gisler stated that many victims can only be identified through DNA tests due to the condition of the bodies and the destruction of documentation.

The presence of Italian citizens among the deceased has been confirmed, although the nationality of all victims has not yet been determined.

On the night following the fire, families and young people gathered spontaneously outside the venue to pay their respects, while emergency teams continued their work, with several victims still inside the establishment awaiting identification, according to police sources.