🔗 Share this article

One Australian is included in the 115 people injured in a inferno that engulfed a busy tavern during a end-of-year festivities in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people.

Government Confirmation on Australian Casualty

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian had been injured and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the nation of Switzerland, the people involved,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He added, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is receiving medical care and the relatives are getting help, assistance from the Australian embassy. I can’t go into any further details for confidentiality obligations. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.”

Diplomatic Response and Ongoing Inquiries

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade verified early Friday it was giving consular help to the affected individual and their relatives.

A department representative said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the family members of an Australian citizen that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Due to our confidentiality duties we are prevented from commenting further.”

The official continued, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with authorities on the ground to determine whether any further Australian nationals were involved. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Scope of Consular Assistance

Such support may involve:

• Reaching out to or attending local hospitals.
• Working with officials on site.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Local police reported the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called the Constellation, which is situated in the heart of the Valais resort.

Footage from the event depicts orange fire raging from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, 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 Blaze's Cause

Investigators stated arson was not responsible for the blaze, which is thought to be the outcome of a mishap.

Information for Concerned Australians

Citizens anxious regarding relatives who might have been involved in the fire were told to phone the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on the number 1300 555 135.