Australian Among the Injured in New Year’s Eve Blaze That Claimed the Lives of 40 in Switzerland's Ski Resort

An Australian is among the 115 persons hurt in a fire that tore through a packed nightclub during a end-of-year festivities in the Swiss ski resort of Crans Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Ministerial Confirmation on Australian Injured Person

Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the Swiss people, the victims and families,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He added, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is receiving medical care and the family is being assisted, Australian consular support. Further details cannot be shared for confidentiality obligations. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Continued Efforts

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 family of an Australian 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 representative further stated, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with Swiss officials to ascertain if any further Australian nationals were involved. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Such support may involve:

• Contacting or going to local hospitals.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Authorities in Switzerland stated 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 Valais resort.

Video of the incident shows orange flames billowing from inside the first-floor establishment. Cries and blaring music are audible, and a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building.

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

Cause and the Fire's Origin

Swiss police said the fire was not deliberately set for the inferno, which is considered to be the outcome of a mishap.

Information for Worried Relatives

Australian nationals worried about family members who may have been caught up in the fire were told to phone the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on 1300 555 135.