Swiss president postpones New Year address after resort tragedy

Switzerland’s new president, Guy Parmelin, has postponed his New Year address following a deadly incident at the Alpine resort of Crans-Montana.

Parmelin, who took office on January 1, and also serves as the country’s economy minister, delayed the traditional speech in response to a fire and explosion at a bar in the resort that killed dozens of people.

Swiss public broadcaster RTS reported that the decision was announced by the ministry overseen by Parmelin.

The address, originally scheduled for midday local time on January 2, was postponed as a mark of respect for the victims and their families. The move was intended to acknowledge the suffering and mourning caused by the tragedy in Crans-Montana, the statement said.

A powerful blast tore through a crowded bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Crans‑Montana ski resort in southwestern Switzerland, killing dozens of people and injuring many others, Swiss police said on Thursday.

About 100 people were hurt in the explosion at the Le Constellation bar, with roughly 40 deaths reported by authorities relayed through the Italian Foreign Ministry, though officials described the toll only as “tens” of fatalities.

Emergency services deployed helicopters and ambulances to assist victims, many of whom suffered serious burns, and the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev