A fire at a New Year’s Eve party in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana killed 40 people and injured 115, including an Australian citizen. Australian authorities are providing consular assistance to the injured Australian and their family.
Australian Injured in Swiss Ski Resort Fire
Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian had been injured in the fire and was receiving medical and consular assistance.
“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the people of Switzerland, the people involved,” Bowen told ABC RN radio on Friday morning.
Bowen stated that the injured Australian is receiving medical care and their family is receiving support from Australian consular services, but he declined to release further details for privacy reasons.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) also confirmed it was providing consular assistance to the injured person and their family. DFAT is also working to determine if any other Australians were impacted by the fire.
“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment,” a DFAT spokesperson said.
Consular assistance can include communicating with or visiting local hospitals, communicating with local authorities, providing lists of medical providers, and assisting with communication with family members.
Swiss police said the fire started at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time (0030 GMT) in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation, located in the center of the Valais resort.
Video footage of the incident shows flames billowing from the ground-floor bar and lounge, with screams and loud music audible. Several people were seen collapsed outside the building.
Authorities noted that some of those who died in the blaze have not yet been identified due to the severity of their burns.
Australians concerned about family members who may have been affected by the fire are advised to call DFAT’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on 1300 555 135.
Swiss police have stated that arson was not responsible for the fire, and it is believed to have been the result of an accident.
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