As Switzerland grapples with the aftermath of the devastating New Year’s Day fire at the "Le Constellation" nightclub, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has issued a formal statement of solidarity, offering both spiritual and practical aid to a grieving nation.
The tragedy, which occurred in the early hours of January 1, 2026, claimed 40 lives and left over 100 others injured. The disaster was triggered when indoor pyrotechnics ignited flammable acoustic materials, sending a flashover through the venue. Most of the victims were teenagers and young adults, many of whom were trapped by the rapid accumulation of toxic smoke.
In two statements, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Switzerland expressed "profound shock and deepest dismay" at the scale of the loss.
"We stand in resolute solidarity with the victims, their families, and all those enduring this unimaginable suffering," said Stephan Sigg, President of the Swiss Union Conference. "It is a source of great sorrow to see a moment of celebration turn so abruptly into unspeakable grief."
The Church’s leadership also extended formal recognition to the first responders, noting that the "courageous and professional intervention" of emergency services prevented an even higher death toll.
Beyond offering condolences, church leaders Stephan Sigg and Olivier Rigaud (President of the Conference of French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino) emphasized a commitment to the recovery effort. The Church has mobilized its congregations to provide spiritual and emotional support, as well as practical assistance to those traumatized by the event.
As the federal government initiates a national day of mourning and a rigorous review of fire safety protocols, the Adventist community called for a renewed focus on prevention. "In this heavy hour, we hope for every effort to be made to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated," the statement concluded, offering a message of "strength and comfort through the hope found in Christ."
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