Metro Manila, Philippines – A Filipino national was injured in the deadly New Year’s Eve bar fire in the Swiss mountain resort of Crans-Montana, the Philippine Embassy in Switzerland said, as authorities confirmed all 40 people killed in the blaze have been identified.
In a statement released by the embassy in Bern, officials said they received confirmation from Swiss authorities that “a Filipino was injured in the fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland,” and that no further details would be made public “at the request of the family.”
The embassy said it had “not received information of any other Filipino casualty” and expressed sympathy for the victim, saying: “Our thoughts go out to the injured Filipino, whose recovery we are praying for.”
Swiss police said that the final 16 victims of the Jan. 1 fire were identified, bringing the death toll to 40, one of the worst disasters in recent Swiss history. More than half of those who died were teenagers, and more than 100 people were injured, according to Reuters.
The blaze broke out shortly after midnight at the Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, a popular ski resort in the canton of Valais. Authorities said the fire likely started when “fountain candle” sparklers were held too close to the ceiling.
A national day of mourning has been planned in Switzerland next week, with church bells to ring across the country and a minute’s silence to honor the victims. Hundreds of mourners have already gathered in Crans-Montana for vigils and a silent procession through the town’s streets.
Swiss officials said 119 people were injured in the fire, many with severe burns, and dozens of patients have been transferred to specialized burn clinics in neighboring European countries. Two people who ran the bar are under criminal investigation on suspicion of negligence-related offenses, including homicide by negligence.
The Philippine embassy said it continues to coordinate with Swiss authorities but reiterated that it would respect the family’s request for privacy regarding the injured Filipino.
