Australian Counted Among the Wounded in NYE Blaze That Killed 40 in Switzerland's Alpine Resort

An Australian is among the 115 people injured in a blaze that ripped through a busy tavern during a end-of-year festivities in the mountain resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people.

Ministerial Statement on Australian Injured Person

Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

“It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the people of Switzerland, the individuals affected,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He added, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is getting medical attention and the family is receiving support, support from Australian diplomats. I am unable to provide more specifics for confidentiality obligations. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Department Response and Ongoing Inquiries

The nation's foreign affairs department stated this morning it was giving consular help to the affected individual and their relatives.

A foreign affairs official said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the relatives of an Australian national that has been injured and is receiving medical care 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 authorities on the ground to determine whether any additional Australians were affected. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Nature of Diplomatic Support

Such support may involve:

• Communicating with or visiting local hospitals.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Details of the Blaze

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

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

Certain victims in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the extent of their injuries.

Investigation into the Blaze's Cause

Swiss police said it was not a case of arson for the fire, which is believed to be the result of an accident.

Information for Worried Relatives

Australians concerned about family members who may have been caught up in the fire were told to phone the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on 1300-555-135.