An Australian National Among the Wounded in NYE Blaze That Killed 40 in Switzerland's Ski Resort
One Australian is included in the 115 people injured in a fire that tore through a packed nightclub during a NYE celebration in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people.
Ministerial Statement on Australian Casualty
A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian had been injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance.
“This is undoubtedly a horrific, horrific tragedy and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the people of Switzerland, the victims and families,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.
He continued, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is receiving medical care and the family is receiving support, Australian consular support. I am unable to provide more specifics for confidentiality obligations. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”
Diplomatic Response and Ongoing Inquiries
The nation's foreign affairs department stated this morning it was offering diplomatic support to the affected individual and their relatives.
A department representative said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian that has been hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are prevented from commenting further.”
The official continued, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with local authorities to ascertain if any other Australians were impacted. Our team is ready to give consular help.”
Scope of Consular Assistance
Such support may involve:
- Communicating with or visiting medical facilities.
- Liaising with local authorities.
- Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
- Help in contacting relatives.
Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire
Swiss police said the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a bar popular with tourists called the Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the resort in Valais.
Recordings of the tragedy depicts orange fire raging from inside the street-level 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 inferno remain unidentified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.
Cause and the Fire's Origin
Authorities confirmed the fire was not deliberately set for the blaze, which is thought to be the outcome of a mishap.
Information for Worried Relatives
Australian nationals worried about family members who may have been caught up in the fire were instructed to contact the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on the number 1300 555 135.
