Skopje, 1 January 2025 (MIA) - The Ministry of Health said late Thursday it is acting in coordination with the Protection and Rescue Directorate of the Republic of North Macedonia, and a channel of communication has been established with the health authorities in Switzerland through the EU Emergency Response Coordination Center (EU ERCC). 

"The Ministry of Health is exploring possibilities and evaluating its capacity to provide Switzerland with ​​medical assistance for those injured in the Crans-Montana fire tragedy," the Health Ministry said in a press release. 

Previously on Thursday, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski in a phone conversation with the Swiss Ambassador in Skopje, expressed sincere condolences offering the country’s readiness to take in injured patients and provide medical support, including sending Macedonian specialist doctors if necessary.

Also, the Macedonian Embassy in Switzerland has set up an emergency helpline for nationals seeking assistance following the tragic accident.  

"The Embassy of the Republic of North Macedonia is closely monitoring developments in Crans-Montana and stands ready to provide assistance to its citizens. If in need of assistance, please contact the Embassy's emergency helpline: +41 79 923 79 57," the Embassy said in a Facebook post.

Around 40 people are dead and at least 115 seriously injured by a blaze in a bar on New Years' Eve in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana. 

Photo: MIA archive