🔗 Share this article

An Australian is among the 115 people injured in a blaze that ripped through a crowded bar during a end-of-year festivities in the mountain resort of Crans-Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Government Statement on Australian Injured Person

Australia’s climate change and energy minister, 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 individuals affected,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He continued, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is receiving medical care and the family is being assisted, Australian consular support. I can’t go into any further details for privacy reasons. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries

The Australian DFAT stated this morning it was offering diplomatic support to the affected individual and their relatives.

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. Due to our confidentiality duties we are unable to provide further comment.”

The representative further stated, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with local authorities to determine whether any other Australians were impacted. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Scope of Diplomatic Support

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Reaching out to or attending medical facilities.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Authorities in Switzerland stated the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called Le Constellation bar, which is located in the centre of the resort in Valais.

Footage from the event reveals fierce orange flames from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.

A number of those who perished in the blaze have not been able to be identified yet due to the severity of their burns.

Investigation into the Fire's Origin

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

Information for Concerned Australians

Citizens anxious regarding loved ones potentially affected in the fire were advised to call the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on the number 1300 555 135.