Australian Among the Injured in NYE Blaze That Claimed the Lives of 40 in Switzerland's Alpine Resort
One Australian is included in the 115 persons hurt in a inferno that engulfed a busy tavern during a New Year’s Eve party in the mountain resort of Crans Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.
Government Confirmation on Australian Casualty
A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian had been injured and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.
“This is undoubtedly a horrific, horrific tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the nation of Switzerland, the victims and families,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.
He continued, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is getting medical attention and the relatives are getting help, assistance from the Australian embassy. I am unable to provide more specifics for confidentiality obligations. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.”
Diplomatic Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries
The nation's foreign affairs department verified early Friday it was providing consular assistance to the hurt national and their family.
A foreign affairs official said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the relatives of an Australian national that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are prevented from commenting further.”
The spokesperson added, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with authorities on the ground to establish if any further Australian nationals were involved. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”
Nature of Consular Assistance
Consular assistance can include:
- Contacting or going to hospitals in the area.
- Liaising with local authorities.
- Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
- Help in contacting relatives.
Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze
Local police reported the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the alpine resort.
Video of the incident shows orange flames billowing from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Screams and loud music can be heard, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.
A number of those who perished in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the extent of their injuries.
Cause and the Fire's Origin
Swiss police said it was not a case of arson for the blaze, which is thought to be the consequence of an unintentional act.
Advice for Worried Relatives
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 the number 1300 555 135.