🔗 Share this article

One Australian is included in the 115 persons hurt in a fire that tore through a busy tavern during a NYE celebration in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Ministerial Confirmation on Australian Injured Person

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian had been injured and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

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

He continued, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is getting medical attention and the family is being assisted, Australian consular support. I am unable to provide more specifics for reasons of personal privacy. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Diplomatic 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 Dfat spokesperson said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the relatives of an Australian national that has been hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are not in a position to give more details.”

The official continued, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with local authorities to determine whether any other Australians were impacted. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Nature of Diplomatic Support

Consular assistance can include:

• Reaching out to or attending hospitals in the area.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Details of the Blaze

Authorities in Switzerland stated the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called Le Constellation bar, which is located in the centre of the alpine resort.

Video of the incident reveals fierce orange flames from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building.

A number of those who perished in the fire have yet to be identified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.

Cause and the Blaze's Cause

Investigators stated the fire was not deliberately set for the blaze, which is thought to be the result of an accident.

Advice for Concerned Australians

Australian nationals worried about relatives who might have been involved in the fire were instructed to contact the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on the number 1300 555 135.