DFA verifying if some Filipinos affected in Swiss bar fire

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is still verifying if any Filipinos were affected in the Switzerland resort bar fire that killed at least 40 people on New Year’s Day.

“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,” said DFA Spokesperson Angelica Escalona.

The DFA, meanwhile, extended their condolences to the Swiss Confederation and the victims of the fire.

“The Philippine Embassy in Berne stands ready to assist any Filipino national who may be affected in the fire,” she added.

Earlier, Swiss authorities shared that their investigations are pointing towards “fountain candle” sparklers as the possible source of the tragic fire.

The fire incident reportedly broke out at around 1:30 a.m. during a New Year’s party at a Swiss bar-resort, leading to at least 40 dead and around 100 injured. —VAL, GMA Integrated News