🔗 Share this article

An Australian is among the 115 individuals wounded in a inferno that engulfed a crowded bar during a end-of-year festivities in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Ministerial Statement on National Casualty

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 undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the people of Switzerland, the people involved,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He further stated, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is getting medical attention and the relatives are getting help, Australian consular support. I can’t go into any further details for reasons of personal privacy. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Department Response and Continued Efforts

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade verified early Friday it was giving consular help to the hurt national and their family.

A department representative said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the family members of an Australian citizen that has been hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are prevented from commenting further.”

The representative further stated, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with Swiss officials to establish if any additional Australians were affected. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Consular assistance can include:

• Reaching out to or attending hospitals in the area.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze

Swiss police said the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called Le Constellation bar, which is found in the downtown area of the alpine resort.

Video of the incident reveals fierce orange flames from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Screams and loud music can be heard, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.

Certain victims in the fire have yet to be identified yet due to the severity of their burns.

Investigation into the Fire's Origin

Investigators stated arson was not responsible for the inferno, which is considered to be the consequence of an unintentional act.

Information for Concerned Australians

Australian nationals worried about loved ones potentially affected in the fire were instructed to contact the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on the number 1300 555 135.