An Australian National Among the Injured in New Year’s Eve Blaze That Claimed the Lives of 40 in Switzerland's Ski Resort
An Australian is among the 115 people injured in a inferno that engulfed a busy tavern during a New Year’s Eve party in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people.
Ministerial Confirmation on National Injured Person
The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian had been injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance.
“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the Swiss people, the people involved,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.
He continued, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is receiving medical care and the relatives are getting help, assistance from the Australian embassy. I am unable to provide more specifics for reasons of personal privacy. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”
Diplomatic Response and Continued Efforts
The nation's foreign affairs department confirmed on Friday morning it was providing consular assistance to the affected individual and their relatives.
A foreign affairs official 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. Owing to our privacy obligations we are not in a position to give more details.”
The spokesperson added, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with local authorities to determine whether any other Australians were impacted. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”
Nature of Consular Assistance
Diplomatic aid often encompasses:
- Contacting or going to local hospitals.
- Working with officials on site.
- Offering information on doctors and clinics.
- Support for reaching out to next of kin.
Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire
Authorities in Switzerland stated the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a bar popular with tourists called the Constellation, which is located in the centre of the resort in Valais.
Footage from the event 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 Fire's Origin
Swiss police said the fire was not deliberately set for the fire, which is believed to be the outcome of a mishap.
Advice for Worried Relatives
Citizens anxious regarding relatives who might have been involved in the fire were advised to call the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on 1300-555-135.
