Minute's silence for the victims of Crans-Montana
Guy Parmelin, president of the Swiss Confederation, has announced a nationwide minute's silence at 2 p.m. on Friday, 9 January 2026, in memory of the victims of the fire in Crans-Montana. The Executive Board asks ETH members to discuss in advance how they would like to observe this moment within their team or unit.
The new year began in Switzerland with one of the worst national tragedies in recent times: on New Year's Eve, 40 people lost their lives and over 100 were injured in a fire in a bar in Crans-Montana. Many survivors are still fighting for their lives in hospital.
National day of mourning with funeral service and bell ringing
The Swiss Confederation is planning a national day of mourning for the victims of the fire on Friday. A memorial service will be held in Crans-Montana at 2 p.m. At the same time, all church bells throughout Switzerland will ring at 2 p.m. This will be directly followed by a national minute of silence, during which people throughout Switzerland can commemorate the victims.
"We would like to ask ETH members – especially management staff – to actively address the issue: clarify in advance how you will deal with this moment in your department, team or group on Friday at 2 p.m.," explains Jo?l Mesot, President of ETH. Would the team like to observe the minute's silence together, or should each person pause for reflection on their own? What should be done if you are in a meeting on Friday afternoon? Are there areas or tasks where it is not possible to interrupt work? These are questions that may be helpful to consider in advance.
Participation is voluntary
It is important that participation in the minute's silence is voluntary. "How you express your sympathy for the victims and survivors of this terrible disaster is a very personal decision," Mesot continues. This can also be done without stopping work or participating in the minute's silence.
If you have been directly affected by the disaster in Crans-Montana and need support, please contact your supervisor or make use of one of the counselling services offered by ETH.
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