🔗 Share this article

One Australian is included in the 115 people injured in a inferno that engulfed a packed nightclub during a end-of-year festivities in the mountain resort of Crans Montana, killing 40 people.

Ministerial Statement on National Injured Person

Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian national was hurt 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 nation of Switzerland, the individuals affected,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He further stated, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is obtaining hospital treatment and the family is being assisted, assistance from the Australian embassy. I can’t go into any further details for privacy reasons. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Diplomatic Response and Continued Efforts

The Australian DFAT confirmed on Friday morning it was giving consular help to the injured person and their family.

A department representative said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the family of an Australian that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are prevented from commenting further.”

The official continued, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with authorities on the ground to determine whether any further Australian nationals were involved. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Such support may involve:

• Reaching out to or attending local hospitals.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Details of the Blaze

Authorities in Switzerland stated the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called Le Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the Valais resort.

Recordings of the tragedy reveals fierce orange flames from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building.

Certain victims in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.

Investigation into the Blaze's Cause

Swiss police said the fire was not deliberately set for the fire, which is believed to be the result of an accident.

Advice for Concerned Australians

Australians concerned about relatives who might have been involved in the fire were advised to call Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on 1300-555-135.