Secretary of State of the Holy See, Pietro Parolin, said the pope “prays to the Lord to welcome the departed into his house of peace and light and to give courage to those who suffer in heart or body.” “May Our Lady in her tenderness bring the consolation of faith to all those affected by this tragedy and keep them in hope“- we read in the announcement.
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What words did Pope Leo XIV say after the tragedy?
How many people died in a fire in Switzerland?
What caused the Crans-Montana fire?
How many victims were identified as a result of the tragedy?
The diocese of Sion in the canton of Valais, where the tragedy occurred, also issued a statement after the tragedy. “What was supposed to be a night of celebration turned into a terrible disaster for hundreds of people” – we read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them,” the clergy emphasize.
Tragedy in a Swiss resort
The tragedy in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana began around 1.30 on New Year's Eve – according to preliminary information. A fire broke out in the La Constellation bar, probably caused by sparklers attached to champagne bottles and lit too close to the ceiling, which caught fire, Cantonal Prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud said at a conference on Friday.
At least 47 people died as a result of the fire. 119 were injured, reports the BBC, citing the authorities of one of the Swiss hospitals. 113 of the injured have been identified – 71 of them are Swiss, 14 are French, 11 are Italians, four are Serbs. One Bosnian, one Belgian, one Luxembourger, one Pole and one Portuguese were injured. The identity of 14 is not yet known.
