🔗 Share this article Australian Among the Wounded in New Year’s Eve Fire That Killed 40 in Switzerland's Alpine Resort An Australian national is counted among the 115 individuals wounded in a blaze that ripped through a packed nightclub during a NYE celebration in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, claiming 40 lives. Ministerial Statement on National Casualty Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian had been injured and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support. “It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the nation of Switzerland, the victims and families,” the minister said during ABC RN radio. He further stated, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is obtaining hospital treatment and the relatives are getting help, Australian consular support. I am unable to provide more specifics for reasons of personal privacy. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.” Department Assistance and Continued Efforts Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated this morning it was giving consular help to the injured person and their family. A Dfat spokesperson said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian that has been hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are prevented from commenting further.” The representative further stated, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with authorities on the ground to determine whether any additional Australians were affected. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.” Scope of Diplomatic Support Such support may involve: Communicating with or visiting hospitals in the area. Working with officials on site. Offering information on doctors and clinics. Assistance communicating with family members. Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze Authorities in Switzerland stated the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called Le Constellation, which is located in the centre of the Valais resort. Footage from the event reveals fierce orange flames from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Screams and loud music can be heard, and a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building. A number of those who perished in the fire have yet to be identified yet due to the severity of their burns. Cause and the Blaze's Cause Authorities confirmed arson was not responsible for the inferno, which is considered to be the consequence of an unintentional act. Advice for Concerned Australians Australians concerned about family members who may have been caught up in the fire were told to phone the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on 1300 555 135.