By Joyce Ann Rocamora | Philippine News Agency
The Philippine Embassy in Berne is checking if Filipino nationals are among the casualties in the deadly fire that razed a ski resort bar in Switzerland, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Saturday.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs, through the Philippine Embassy in Berne, is closely monitoring developments and coordinating with Swiss authorities to verify if Filipino nationals are affected,” it said.
“The Philippine Embassy in Berne stands ready to assist any Filipino national who may be affected in the fire.”
Filipinos affected by the fire are encouraged to reach the embassy through [email protected] or its Assistance-to-Nationals hotline +41791234567.
The agency, meanwhile, extended the Philippine government’s condolences to Switzerland and its people following the tragic incident.
At least 40 were reported killed as the blaze tore through a bar packed with young people in an upscale Alpine ski resort in Crans-Montana on New Year’s Day.
Probe is underway, but officials, quoted as saying by local reports, suggest that sparklers on champagne bottles that came too close to the ceiling likely caused the fire. (PNA)
