An Australian National Among the Injured in New Year’s Eve Fire That Claimed the Lives of 40 in Swiss Ski Resort

An Australian is among the 115 people injured in a fire that tore through a busy tavern during a NYE celebration in the Swiss ski resort of Crans Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Ministerial Statement on Australian Casualty

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian had been injured and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the nation of Switzerland, the people involved,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He added, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is receiving medical care and the relatives are getting help, assistance from the Australian embassy. I can’t go into any further details for reasons of personal privacy. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries

The Australian DFAT confirmed on Friday morning it was offering diplomatic support to the injured person and their family.

A Dfat spokesperson said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the family of an Australian that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are prevented from commenting further.”

The official continued, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with authorities on the ground to establish if any additional Australians were affected. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Scope of Consular Assistance

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Communicating with or visiting local hospitals.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Assistance communicating with family members.

Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze

Local police reported the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called Le Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the alpine resort.

Footage from the event shows orange flames billowing from inside the street-level bar and lounge. Screams and loud music can be heard, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building.

A number of those who perished in the blaze have not been able to be identified yet due to the severity of their burns.

Cause and the Fire's Origin

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

Advice for Concerned Australians

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