🔗 Share this article

An Australian is among the 115 persons hurt in a fire that tore through a crowded bar 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

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.

“This is undoubtedly a horrific, horrific tragedy and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the people of Switzerland, the victims and families,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He further stated, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is obtaining hospital treatment and the family is being assisted, support from Australian diplomats. I am unable to provide more specifics for privacy reasons. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Diplomatic Response and Continued Efforts

The Australian DFAT verified early Friday it was offering diplomatic support to the injured person and their family.

A Dfat spokesperson said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the relatives of an Australian national that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are not in a position to give more details.”

The official continued, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with local authorities to establish if any further Australian nationals were involved. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Scope of Diplomatic Support

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Contacting or going to hospitals in the area.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Details of the Blaze

Swiss police said the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation bar, which is situated in the heart of the Valais resort.

Video of the incident shows orange flames billowing from inside the street-level bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and multiple persons were witnessed lying 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.

Investigation into the Blaze's Cause

Swiss police said it was not a case of arson for the inferno, which is considered to be the consequence of an unintentional act.

Information for Worried Relatives

Australians concerned about loved ones potentially affected in the fire were advised to call the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on the number 1300 555 135.