Security forces cordon off the scene of a bar fire in the Crans-Montana ski resort in the Valais Canton, southwestern Switzerland, on Thursday.— XINHUA/VNA Photo

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam has activated citizen protection measures following a serious fire at Le Constellation bar in Switzerland, as authorities work to confirm whether any Vietnamese nationals were among the victims.

The Vietnamese Embassy in Switzerland has placed its citizen protection hotline on emergency standby and announced a dedicated 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 at Le Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in Valais canton.

Shortly after the incident, the Vietnamese Embassy proactively contacted the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA/EDA), requesting the earliest possible information on the identities of the victims, particularly whether any Vietnamese citizens were among those killed, injured or missing.

As of now, Swiss authorities have not reported any victims holding Vietnamese nationality.

Identification procedures are still under way and the full list of victims has yet to be officially released.

The embassy said it remains in close and regular contact with the Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the authorities of Valais canton to monitor developments and provide timely updates.

It has also urged the Vietnamese community in Switzerland to remain calm and follow official information from the relevant authorities and diplomatic missions.

According to Swiss daily Le Temps, a total of 22 victims with severe burns are currently being treated at Lausanne University Hospital which, along with facilities in Lausanne, has received casualties airlifted by helicopter.

Patients are being cared for at the hospital’s burn treatment centre as well as in intensive care units for both adults and children.

All patients are currently receiving treatment and hospitals have indicated that additional victims may be transferred from other medical facilities in the coming days.

Some injured individuals have also been taken to Zurich for further care.

Keystone-ATS news agency reported that more than 10 victims from the Crans-Montana fire have been admitted to Zurich University Hospital, according to the hospital’s spokesperson.

On the same day, Swiss broadcaster RTS aired video footage from a witness who saw the tragedy unfold outside Le Constellation 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.

The authorities of Vaud canton have extended their condolences to the families of the victims, stressing that the canton’s medical facilities 'have received and are continuing to treat many patients.'

Health services have also deployed mobile medical units and psychological support teams to the scene.

Meanwhile, Swiss President Guy Parmelin cancelled his new year address and travelled to the site of the incident to oversee rescue efforts and the investigation into the cause of the fire. — VNS