🔗 Share this article

One Australian is included in the 115 people injured in a blaze that ripped through a crowded bar during a New Year’s Eve party in the mountain resort of Crans-Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Ministerial Statement on Australian Casualty

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

“It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the people of Switzerland, the people involved,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He added, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is receiving medical care and the relatives are getting help, support from Australian diplomats. I can’t go into any further details for privacy reasons. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Continued Efforts

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade verified early Friday it was giving consular help to the hurt national and their family.

A department representative said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the family of an Australian that has been hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”

The official continued, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with local authorities to ascertain if any other Australians were impacted. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Scope of Diplomatic Support

Consular assistance can include:

• Communicating with or visiting hospitals in the area.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Details of the Tragic Fire

Swiss police said the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called Le Constellation bar, which is located in the centre of the Valais resort.

Footage from the event reveals fierce orange flames from inside the street-level bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building.

Certain victims in the fire have yet to be identified yet due to the extent of their injuries.

Investigation into the Blaze's Cause

Authorities confirmed arson was not responsible for the inferno, which is considered to be the result of an accident.

Information for Worried Relatives

Australian nationals worried about family members who may have been caught up in the fire were told to phone Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on 1300-555-135.