Advisory for Vietnamese citizens on the serious fire incident in Switzerland
WVR - In the early hours of January 1 (local time), a serious fire broke out at the Le Constellation bar, located in the Crans-Montana ski resort, Valais Canton, during New Year celebrations, resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries.
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| The death toll from the fire has risen to 40, while around 100 people have been injured. (Source: Times and Star) |
According to local authorities and media, the blaze erupted around 1:30 AM, amidst a crowded bar primarily filled with young people. The incident is considered one of the most severe tragedies in Switzerland in recent years. The cause of the fire is still under investigation; authorities suggest it is likely an accident.
Immediately after receiving the information, the Vietnamese Embassy in Switzerland proactively contacted the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA/EDA) via hotline and regular communication channels, requesting the earliest possible information on the identities of the victims, particularly concerning the possibility of Vietnamese citizens among the deceased, injured, or missing. As of now, Switzerland has not reported any Vietnamese nationals among the victims. Identification efforts are ongoing, and the full list of victims' identities has not been released.
The Vietnamese Embassy continues to closely monitor the situation, maintaining regular communication with the Swiss Foreign Ministry and Valais authorities. They have also activated a citizen protection hotline, announcing the phone number 41 78 704 7887 to receive information and support relatives and the Vietnamese community in Switzerland. The embassy advises Vietnamese citizens to remain calm and follow official information from authorities and representative agencies.
Regarding medical treatment efforts, Le Temps reported that many severely burned victims are being treated at major hospitals in Lausanne and Zurich. Medical facilities in the affected cantons have maximized resources, deployed mobile medical teams, and provided psychological support to victims and their families.
The authorities of Vaud and Valais Cantons have expressed condolences to the victims' families. Swiss President Guy Parmelin canceled his New Year speech and went directly to the scene to oversee rescue operations and investigate the cause of the incident.
