🔗 Share this article Australian Among the Wounded in New Year’s Eve Fire That Claimed the Lives of 40 in Swiss Alpine Resort An Australian national is counted among the 115 persons hurt in a fire that tore through a crowded bar during a NYE celebration in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, claiming 40 lives. Ministerial Confirmation on National Casualty A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid. “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. He added, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is getting medical attention and the relatives are getting help, assistance from the Australian embassy. I can’t go into any further details for reasons of personal privacy. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.” Department Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries The nation's foreign affairs department confirmed on Friday morning it was giving consular help to the injured person and their family. A Dfat spokesperson said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are not in a position to give more details.” The spokesperson added, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with local authorities to ascertain if any additional Australians were affected. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.” Nature of Diplomatic Support Consular assistance can include: Reaching out to or attending medical facilities. Liaising with local authorities. Supplying details of healthcare professionals. Help in contacting relatives. Details of the Blaze Swiss police said the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called Le Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the alpine resort. Recordings of the tragedy reveals fierce orange flames from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Screams and loud music can be heard, and several people were seen collapsed 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 Fire's Origin Swiss police said arson was not responsible for the inferno, which is considered 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 told to phone the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on the number 1300 555 135.