🔗 Share this article Australian Among the Injured in New Year’s Eve Fire That Claimed the Lives of 40 in Switzerland's Ski Resort An Australian national is counted among the 115 individuals wounded in a fire that tore through a busy tavern during a end-of-year festivities in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people. Ministerial Confirmation on Australian Injured Person Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid. “It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the nation of Switzerland, the victims and families,” Bowen told ABC RN radio. He added, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is getting medical attention 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.” Diplomatic Response and Continued Efforts The nation's foreign affairs department stated this morning it was providing consular assistance to the affected individual and their relatives. A Dfat spokesperson said: “Consular aid is being given by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the family of an Australian that has been hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are not in a position to give more details.” The representative further stated, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with authorities on the ground to determine whether any further Australian nationals were involved. Our team is ready to give consular help.” Nature of Diplomatic Support Such support may involve: Communicating with or visiting medical facilities. Coordinating with Swiss authorities. Supplying details of healthcare professionals. Support for reaching out to next of kin. Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze Swiss police said the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called the Constellation, which is situated in the heart of the resort in Valais. Recordings of the tragedy depicts orange fire raging from inside the street-level bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building. A number of those who perished in the blaze have not been able to be identified yet due to the seriousness of the burns. Cause and the Fire's Origin Swiss police said arson was not responsible for the blaze, which is thought to be the consequence of an unintentional act. Information for Worried Relatives Australian nationals worried about relatives who might have been involved in the fire were advised to call the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on the number 1300 555 135.