Feb 8 • 21:18 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Ilta-Sanomat

The memorial for the burned nightclub burned in Switzerland

A memorial for the victims of a devastating New Year's Eve nightclub fire in Switzerland caught fire early Sunday morning.

The memorial commemorating the victims of a tragic nightclub fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, was ignited on Sunday morning. This memorial, which had been erected near the site of the tragedy, was adorned with flowers, candles, and condolence messages left by visitors. A protective white igloo-shaped tarp was placed over the memorial, intended to shield it from the elements. Police officials released images showing the damage, including burnt flowers and holes in the tarp.

According to the police in the Valais canton, the emergency services received reports of the memorial's fire before 6 AM on Sunday. They were able to bring the fire under control swiftly, but unfortunately, several mementos were damaged in the flames. Notably, a condolence book filled with messages from visitors over the five weeks since the memorial was established was saved, allowing the memories of the victims to be preserved.

Investigators reported that the likely cause of the fire was candles left burning on a table in the center of the memorial. At this time, arson has been ruled out as a cause, providing some closure to concerns about a potential deliberate act. The incident raises questions about memorial safety and the importance of responsible commemoration practices, especially for sites marked by tragedy.

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