Djuric bids final farewell to victims of deadly Crans-Montana fire

BELGRADE - On behalf of Serbia, FM Marko Djuric bid a final farewell to the victims of a deadly New Year's Eve fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, and expressed solidarity with their families, the people of Switzerland and everyone affected by the accident, which also claimed the life of a Serbian man.

"With heavy hearts, today we bid our final farewell to all the victims of the fire in Crans-Montana on January 1, and express our support and solidarity with their families and all those affected, as we join the people of Switzerland in their National Day of Mourning, commemorating those who perished," Djuric posted on X.

"The people of Serbia are deeply shaken by this devastating tragedy and stand in heartfelt solidarity with the Swiss people, as well as with all nations whose citizens lost their lives in this deadly fire.

With profound sadness and deep respect, we pay tribute to our brave citizen, Stefan Ivanovic, who selflessly sacrificed his own life in an effort to help and save the lives of others.

He and his heroic deed will be forever remembered with gratitude and reverence as enduring symbols of courage, humanity and noble sacrifice, and as a source of pride for all of Serbia and all Serbs," Djuric concluded.

Earlier in the day, the Serbian MFA said Djuric would not be able to attend Friday's commemorative event for the victims in Martigny, Switzerland due to poor weather.

Forty people were killed and 116 others, including four Serbian nationals, were injured in the fire at a Crans-Montana bar.

Thirty-one-year-old Ivanovic, a Swiss/Serbian national, lost his life while trying to rescue customers from the fire-stricken bar.