Switzerland Mourns: Deadly Fire Prompts National Day of Grief

Switzerland held a national day of mourning on Monday. The country is honoring the victims of a deadly fire at an apartment building last week. The fire killed several people, including young children, in the city of Rubigen. The exact cause is still under investigation. Flags flew at half-mast on all public buildings across the country. A moment of silence was also observed nationwide at 11:00 AM local time. The tragedy has shocked the small Alpine nation. Swiss President Viola Amherd called it a "dark day" for Switzerland. She expressed deep sympathy for the families of the victims. Local authorities continue to support the survivors. Many lost their homes and all their belongings in the fire.