United Nations organizations, including WMO, in Geneva are observing a day of national mourning for all those who lost their lives in the tragic fire in Crans Montana as a sign of respect for the victims their families and the Swiss government.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo, in consultation with the Host Country Authorities, ordered the WMO flag to be flown at half-mast on Friday, 9 January 2026. Church bells throughout Switzerland will toll at 1400 CET and there will be a minute's silence.
"We join in honoring the victims of this tragedy and extend our thoughts to those affected," said Celeste Saulo.
The fire, which broke out during a New Year's celebration in the popular Alpine ski resort, took the lives of 40 people and left more than 100 seriously injured.
WMO staff have joined thousands of others in expressing sympathy in the dedicated book of condolences .
"Many of the victims were young, full of projects, hopes and dreams. Their life must be honoured for what it was: for their promise, energy and part of our common future," wrote Swiss President Guy Parmelin in the book of condolences.
"To all the mourning families and victims … we share your pain."
