An Australian is among the 115 people injured in a fire that tore through a crowded bar during a New Year’s Eve party in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people. Australia’s climate change and energy minister, 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 people of Switzerland, the people involved,” Bowen told ABC RN radio. “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is receiving medical care and the family is receiving support, Australian consular support. I can’t go into any further details for privacy reasons.”
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) confirmed it was providing consular assistance to the injured person and their family. “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with local authorities to determine whether any other Australians were impacted,” a spokesperson said.
Swiss police said the fire started at about 1.30am local time in a bar called Le Constellation, popular with tourists. Video shows orange flames billowing from the ground-floor bar and lounge, with screams and loud music audible. Some victims have not yet been identified due to the severity of their burns. Police said arson was not responsible; the blaze is thought to be accidental.
