An Australian National Counted Among the Wounded in NYE Fire That Killed 40 in Swiss Alpine Resort
An Australian is among the 115 persons hurt in a inferno that engulfed a crowded bar during a NYE celebration in the Swiss ski resort of Crans Montana, killing 40 people.
Government Confirmation on Australian Casualty
A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.
“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the Swiss people, the individuals affected,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.
He added, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is obtaining hospital treatment and the relatives are getting help, support from Australian diplomats. I can’t go into any further details for reasons of personal privacy. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”
Diplomatic Response and Continued Efforts
The nation's foreign affairs department verified early Friday it was giving consular help to the affected individual and their relatives.
A foreign affairs official said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the family members of an Australian citizen that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Due to our confidentiality duties we are unable to provide further comment.”
The official continued, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with authorities on the ground to ascertain if any additional Australians were affected. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”
Scope of Consular Assistance
Such support may involve:
- Reaching out to or attending local hospitals.
- Liaising with local authorities.
- Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
- Help in contacting relatives.
Details of the Blaze
Swiss police said the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a bar popular with tourists called the Constellation, which is situated in the heart of the resort in Valais.
Video of the incident shows orange flames billowing from inside the first-floor establishment. Cries and blaring music are audible, 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 seriousness of the burns.
Cause and the Blaze's Cause
Authorities confirmed arson was not responsible for the blaze, which is thought to be the consequence of an unintentional act.
Information for Concerned Australians
Australian nationals worried about relatives who might have been involved in the fire were told to phone Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on 1300 555 135.
