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Poland offers medical aid for Swiss fire victims

03.01.2026 11:00
The Polish authorities have offered specialised medical care for those seriously injured in a fire that tore through a crowded Swiss bar during New Year's celebrations.
People pay their respects to the victims with flowers and candles near the area where a fire broke out during the New Years celebrations in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, 02 January 2026. According to the police, several dozen people lost their lives in the fire that devastated the bar Le Constellation on New Years Eve in the Swiss Alps resort of
People pay their respects to the victims with flowers and candles near the area where a fire broke out during the New Year's celebrations in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, 02 January 2026. According to the police, several dozen people lost their lives in the fire that devastated the bar 'Le Constellation' on New Year's Eve in the Swiss Alps resort of Photo: JEAN-CHRISTOPHE BOTT PAP/EPA

"We are ready, at Switzerland's request, to provide specialized medical care to 14 injured in Polish hospitals," Prime Minister Donald Tusk wrote on Friday on X.

"Switzerland and the canton of Valais can count on Polish solidarity," he added.


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The announcement comes as overwhelmed Swiss burn units send the fire victims to neighbouring countries. 

Some 40 people were killed and around 115 injured in the blaze at a bar in the luxury Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana.

Local police have confirmed that a Polish citizen was among those injured in the blast.

On Thursday, patients were transferred from Switzerland to hospitals in Germany, Italy and France after emergency units at local hospitals filled up.

The Polish offer of help includes four ICU beds and 10 for patients with less severe injuries, a Polish interior ministry spokeswoman said.

The beds are located at the southern Siemianowice Śląskie hospital, which specialises in the treatment of burns and chronic wounds.

Poland has also proposed deploying two medics on the ground, as well as aircraft to transport the 14 injured to the Polish hospital.

 

(mo)

Source: PAP, AFP