🔗 Share this article

An Australian national is counted among the 115 individuals wounded in a inferno that engulfed a busy tavern during a New Year’s Eve party in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people.

Ministerial Confirmation on National Injured Person

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian national was hurt and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

“This is undoubtedly a horrific, horrific tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the Swiss people, the individuals affected,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He added, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is obtaining hospital treatment and the family is being assisted, assistance from the Australian embassy. 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 Continued Efforts

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

A Dfat spokesperson said: “Consular aid is being given by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the relatives of an Australian national that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are not in a position to give more details.”

The official continued, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with authorities on the ground to determine whether any additional Australians were affected. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Scope of Consular Assistance

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Communicating with or visiting medical facilities.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Swiss police said the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called the Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the Valais resort.

Recordings of the tragedy reveals fierce orange flames from inside the first-floor establishment. Cries and blaring music are audible, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building.

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

Investigation into the Fire's Origin

Authorities confirmed arson was not responsible for the blaze, which is thought to be the consequence of an unintentional act.

Advice for Worried Relatives

Australian nationals worried about loved ones potentially affected in the fire were told to phone the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on the number 1300 555 135.