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

One Australian is included in the 115 individuals wounded in a blaze that ripped through a busy tavern during a New Year’s Eve party in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Ministerial Statement on National Injured Person

Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

“It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts 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 being assisted, support from Australian diplomats. I can’t go into any further details for confidentiality obligations. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Department Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade verified early Friday it was offering diplomatic support to the affected individual and their relatives.

A department representative 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 official continued, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries 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.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Details of the Tragic Fire

Local police reported the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation, which is situated in the heart of the resort in Valais.

Footage from the event reveals fierce orange flames from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.

Some people who died in the blaze have not been able to be identified yet due to the extent of their injuries.

Investigation into the Fire's Origin

Authorities confirmed arson was not responsible for the inferno, which is considered to be the outcome of a mishap.

Information for Concerned Australians

Citizens anxious regarding relatives who might have been involved in the fire were told to phone the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on 1300 555 135.