Australian Counted Among the Wounded in New Year’s Eve Blaze That Claimed the Lives of 40 in Switzerland's Ski Resort
One Australian is included in the 115 people injured in a fire that tore through a crowded bar during a NYE celebration in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.
Government Statement on Australian Injured Person
The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, announced this 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 nation of Switzerland, the individuals affected,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.
He continued, “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.”
Department Response and Ongoing Inquiries
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated this morning it was giving consular help to the injured person and their family.
A department representative 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. Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”
The official continued, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with Swiss officials to ascertain if any additional Australians were affected. Our team is ready to give consular help.”
Scope of Diplomatic Support
Consular assistance can include:
- Contacting or going to hospitals in the area.
- Liaising with local authorities.
- Offering information on doctors and clinics.
- Help in contacting relatives.
Details of the Blaze
Local police reported the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called the Constellation, which is located in the centre of the resort in Valais.
Recordings of the tragedy reveals fierce orange flames from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building.
A number of those who perished in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.
Cause and the Fire's Origin
Swiss police said it was not a case of arson for the inferno, which is considered to be the outcome of a mishap.
Information for Worried Relatives
Citizens anxious regarding family members who may have been caught up in the fire were told to phone Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on the number 1300 555 135.