🔗 Share this article Australian Among the Injured in New Year’s Eve Fire That Killed 40 in Swiss Alpine Resort One Australian is included in the 115 individuals wounded in a fire that tore through a packed nightclub during a NYE celebration in the mountain resort of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives. Government Confirmation on Australian Injured Person A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian had been injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance. “It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the nation of Switzerland, the victims and families,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio. He further stated, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is getting medical attention and the relatives are getting help, support from Australian diplomats. I can’t go into any further details for privacy reasons. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.” Department Assistance and Continued Efforts The nation's foreign affairs department verified early Friday it was providing consular assistance to the affected individual and their relatives. A foreign affairs official said: “Consular aid is being given by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the relatives of an Australian national 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 representative further stated, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with Swiss officials to establish if any additional Australians were affected. Our team is ready to give consular help.” Nature of Diplomatic Support Diplomatic aid often encompasses: Communicating with or visiting hospitals in the area. Liaising with local authorities. Provision of lists of medical providers. Help in contacting relatives. Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze Local police reported the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called Le Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the Valais resort. Video of the incident depicts orange fire raging from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building. Certain victims in the fire have yet to be identified yet due to the severity of their burns. Investigation into the Blaze's Cause Authorities confirmed it was not a case of arson for the inferno, which is considered to be the result of an accident. Advice for Worried Relatives Australian nationals worried 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.