An Australian is among the 115 people injured in a fire that tore through a crowded bar during a New Year’s Eve party in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people.
Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian had been injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance.
“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the people of Switzerland, the people involved,” Bowen told ABC RN radio on Friday morning.
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“I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is receiving medical care and the family is receiving support, Australian consular support. I can’t go into any further details for privacy reasons. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.”
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed on Friday morning it was providing consular assistance to the injured person and their family.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire,” a Dfat spokesperson said. “Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.
“Dfat is making urgent inquiries with local authorities to determine whether any other Australians were impacted. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”
Consular assistance can include communicating with or visiting local hospitals, local authorities, provision of lists of medical providers and assistance communicating with family members.
Swiss police said the fire started at about 1.30am, local time (0030 GMT), in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation, which is located in the centre of the Valais resort.
Video of the incident shows orange flames billowing from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Screams and loud music can be heard, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building.
Some people who died in the blaze have not been able to be identified yet due to the severity of their burns.
Australians concerned about family members who may have been caught up in the fire were advised to call Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on 1300 555 135.
Swiss police said arson was not responsible for the blaze, which is thought to be the result of an accident.
