🔗 Share this article An Australian National Among the Injured in New Year’s Eve Fire That Killed 40 in Switzerland's Ski Resort An Australian national is counted among the 115 persons hurt in a fire that tore through a busy tavern during a NYE celebration in the Swiss ski resort of Crans Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities. Government Statement on Australian Casualty Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance. “It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the people of Switzerland, the individuals affected,” Bowen told ABC RN radio. He further stated, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is receiving medical care and the family is receiving support, 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 Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed on Friday morning it was offering diplomatic support to the affected individual and their relatives. A department representative said: “Consular aid is being given by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the family members of an Australian citizen that has been hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.” The representative further stated, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with authorities on the ground to ascertain if any other Australians were impacted. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.” Nature of Diplomatic Support Consular assistance can include: Communicating with or visiting medical facilities. Liaising with local authorities. Provision of lists of medical providers. Help in contacting relatives. 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 situated in the heart of the alpine resort. Footage from the event depicts orange fire raging from inside the first-floor establishment. Cries and blaring music are audible, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building. Certain victims in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the severity of their burns. Cause and the Blaze's Cause Investigators stated the fire was not deliberately set for the fire, which is believed to be the outcome of a mishap. Advice for Worried Relatives Australian nationals worried about loved ones potentially affected in the fire were instructed to contact the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on 1300 555 135.