ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq has extended its condolences to Switzerland over a tragic fire during New Year’s celebrations that claimed dozens of lives.
A fire at a bar in the Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana killed at least 40 people and injured 119 others who were attending a New Year’s Eve party.
“We express our deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the government and people of the Swiss Confederation, and to the families of the victims, following the tragic accident that occurred at the Crans-Montana ski resort, which resulted in numerous casualties,” the Iraqi Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry added that Iraq “shares in Switzerland’s grief over this tragic event,” and expressed its “solidarity and support for the Swiss government and people during this difficult humanitarian time.”
The statement also emphasized Iraq’s commitment to “strengthening the values of cooperation and humanitarian solidarity in the face of disasters.”
Swiss authorities said early findings suggest the blaze was probably sparked by sparklers fixed to champagne bottles that were held too near the ceiling.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin called the event “one of the most severe tragedies” in the nation’s history.