🔗 Share this article Australian Counted Among the Injured in New Year’s Eve Blaze That Killed 40 in Swiss Alpine Resort An Australian national is counted among the 115 people injured in a blaze that ripped through a crowded bar during a NYE celebration in the mountain resort of Crans Montana, killing 40 people. Government Confirmation on National Injured Person Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian national was hurt and was receiving medical and consular assistance. “It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the people of Switzerland, the victims and families,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio. He added, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is receiving medical care and the family is receiving support, support from Australian diplomats. I can’t go into any further details for confidentiality obligations. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.” Diplomatic Response and Continued Efforts The nation's foreign affairs department verified early Friday it was giving consular help to the hurt national and their family. 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. Due to our confidentiality duties we are prevented from commenting further.” The official continued, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with Swiss officials to determine whether any additional Australians were affected. Our team is ready to give consular help.” Scope of Diplomatic Support Diplomatic aid often encompasses: Communicating with or visiting local hospitals. Working with officials on site. Supplying details of healthcare professionals. Support for reaching out to next of kin. Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze Local police reported the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called Le Constellation bar, which is found in the downtown area of the Valais resort. Footage from the event depicts orange fire raging from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Cries and blaring music are audible, and a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building. Some people who died in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the seriousness of the burns. Investigation into the Blaze's Cause Swiss police said it was not a case of arson for the fire, which is believed to be the result of an accident. Information for Concerned Australians Australians concerned about family members who may have been caught up in the fire were told to phone the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on 1300-555-135.