Australian Among the Wounded in NYE Fire That Claimed the Lives of 40 in Switzerland's Alpine Resort

One Australian is included in the 115 persons hurt in a fire that tore through a packed nightclub during a NYE celebration in the mountain resort of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Ministerial Confirmation on National Casualty

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian had been injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

“This is undoubtedly a horrific, horrific tragedy and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the Swiss people, the people involved,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He added, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is getting medical attention and the relatives are getting help, Australian consular support. I can’t go into any further details for reasons of personal privacy. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries

The Australian DFAT verified early Friday it was providing consular assistance to the affected individual and their relatives.

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

The spokesperson added, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with Swiss officials to establish if any other Australians were impacted. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Nature of Diplomatic Support

Consular assistance can include:

• Contacting or going to medical facilities.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Assistance communicating with family members.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Authorities in Switzerland stated the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called Le Constellation bar, which is situated in the heart of the alpine resort.

Footage from the event depicts orange fire raging from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building.

Some people who died in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.

Investigation into the Fire's Origin

Swiss police said arson was not responsible 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 1300-555-135.