Vietnam Implements Citizen Protection Measures After Switzerland Bar Fire

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Immediately after the incident, the Vietnamese Embassy in Switzerland contacted the Swiss Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs to request prompt information on the identities of the victims, with particular attention to the possibility of Vietnamese citizens among those killed, injured, or missing.

According to the latest updates from Switzerland, approximately 40 people have died, and around 100 others have been injured. No Vietnamese nationals have been identified so far. The identification process is still ongoing, and the full list of victims has not yet been released.

The Vietnamese Embassy stated that it remains in regular contact with the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Valais cantonal authorities to stay informed of developments. The Embassy has also activated its citizen protection hotline (+41 78 704 7887) to provide information and support to relatives and the Vietnamese community in Switzerland. At the same time, the Embassy advises people to remain calm and follow official updates from the authorities.

Rescue force at the scene of the explosion, January 1. (Photo: Reuters)

Regarding rescue efforts, Le Temps reported that Lausanne University Hospital is currently treating 22 patients with severe burns sustained in the fire. The victims were airlifted by helicopter and are receiving care in the burn center as well as in intensive care units for both adults and children. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of admitting additional patients from other medical facilities in the coming days. Some of the injured have also been transferred to Zurich for treatment.

According to Keystone-ATS, citing Zurich University Hospital, more than 10 victims of the Crans-Montana fire are being treated there.

Meanwhile, Swiss broadcaster RTS aired a witness account from the scene. Alexis Laguerre, 18, recalled that smoke began rising outside the bar before a loud explosion triggered a fierce blaze.

“People panicked and ran outside. We tried to break the interior windows with chairs to escape. It was a truly terrifying moment,” he said.

The authorities of the Canton of Vaud have extended condolences to the victims’ families and confirmed that health services have mobilized maximum resources, including mobile medical stations and psychological support teams at the site.

In light of the gravity of the incident, Swiss President Guy Parmelin canceled his New Year’s address and traveled to the scene to oversee rescue operations and direct the investigation into the cause of the fire.

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