Australian Among the Injured in NYE Fire That Claimed the Lives of 40 in Swiss Ski Resort

One Australian is included in the 115 persons hurt in a blaze that ripped through a crowded bar during a NYE celebration in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Ministerial Confirmation on Australian Injured Person

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian national was hurt and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

“It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the Swiss people, the victims and families,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He continued, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is getting medical attention and the family is being assisted, assistance from the Australian embassy. I am unable to provide more specifics for privacy reasons. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.”

Department Response and Continued Efforts

The nation's foreign affairs department verified early Friday it was providing consular assistance to the injured person and their family.

A Dfat spokesperson said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the relatives of an Australian national that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are prevented from commenting further.”

The representative further stated, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with Swiss officials to establish if any additional Australians were affected. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Such support may involve:

• Communicating with or visiting medical facilities.
• Working with officials on site.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze

Authorities in Switzerland stated the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called the Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the resort in Valais.

Video of the incident shows orange flames billowing from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Screams and loud music can be heard, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.

Some people who died in the fire have yet to be identified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.

Investigation into the Fire's Origin

Investigators stated the fire was not deliberately set for the fire, which is believed to be the outcome of a mishap.

Advice for Concerned Australians

Australians concerned about relatives who might have been involved in the fire were advised to call Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on the number 1300 555 135.