Switzerland falls silent to remember inferno victims

Switzerland observed a national day of mourning for 40 people killed in the New Year bar fire, including a minute’s silence and a remembrance ceremony attended by national leaders; prosecutors have begun questioning the bar’s owners on negligence charges.

Switzerland marked a national day of mourning after a fire at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana that officials say killed 40 people. The country paused for a minute of silence and a formal remembrance ceremony in Martigny, attended by Swiss and foreign leaders. Authorities have opened a criminal investigation and prosecutors have questioned the bar’s owners as part of that inquiry. What is known: - Officials reported the blaze began after bottles with sparklers were raised close to sound‑insulating foam, which is said to have led to rapid fire spread. - The nation observed a minute of silence and a remembrance ceremony in Martigny, with church bells and flags at half‑mast. - Prosecutors have begun questioning the owners of the bar and have opened a criminal investigation that includes negligence-related charges. Summary: The fire prompted nationwide mourning and an official inquiry into how the blaze started and how safety rules were applied. Prosecutors have started questioning the bar owners; further procedural steps are undetermined at this time.