Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnamese authorities have moved swiftly to implement citizen protection measures following a major fire that broke out at a bar in Switzerland, causing multiple casualties.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Switzerland has placed its citizen protection hotline on emergency standby and announced a contact number, +41 78 704 7887, to receive information and provide assistance to relatives and members of the Vietnamese community affected by the incident.
The blaze broke out on New Year’s Day (January 1, Switzerland time) at Le Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in the canton of Valais.
Immediately after receiving information about the incident, the Vietnamese Embassy in Switzerland proactively contacted the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA/EDA), requesting the earliest possible updates on the identities of the victims, particularly whether any Vietnamese nationals were among those killed, injured or missing.
As of now, Swiss authorities have not reported any Vietnamese nationals among the victims. Identification efforts are still ongoing, and the full list of victims has yet to be officially released.
The embassy continues to closely monitor developments and maintain regular contact with the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the authorities of the canton of Valais. It has also advised the community to remain calm and follow official updates from the authorities and diplomatic missions.
Local journal Le Temps reported that together with facilities in Lausanne, Lausanne University Hospital is currently treating 22 victims suffering from severe burns. Patients were transported by helicopter and are being cared for at the hospital’s burn treatment centre as well as adult and paediatric intensive care units.
All patients are receiving treatment, and additional transfers from other hospitals remain possible. Meanwhile, injured victims have also been taken to Zurich for treatment. The Keystone-ATS news agency cited a spokesperson of Zurich University Hospital as confirming that more than 10 victims from the Crans-Montana fire are currently being treated there.
The same day, broadcaster RTS released a video featuring testimony from an eyewitness who observed the incident from outside the bar.
Alexis Laguerre, 18, recounted the moment the fire broke out.
“Suddenly, smoke started to rise. I called the police and while I was on the phone, there was an explosion and flames erupted. We saw people running outside. It was horrifying,” he said.
The witness added that people inside the bar attempted to smash windows with chairs before emergency services arrived, cordoned off the area and launched rescue operations.
Authorities in the canton of Vaud extended condolences to the victims’ families, noting that medical facilities in the canton had mobilised to treat numerous patients. Mobile medical units and psychological support teams were also dispatched to the scene. Swiss President Guy Parmelin cancelled his New Year address and travelled to the site to oversee rescue efforts and the investigation into the cause of the fire./.
VNA
