🔗 Share this article Australian Among the Injured in NYE Blaze That Killed 40 in Switzerland's Alpine Resort One Australian is included in the 115 persons hurt in a inferno that engulfed a packed nightclub during a NYE celebration in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people. Ministerial Confirmation on National Injured Person Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian national was hurt and was receiving medical and consular assistance. “This is undoubtedly a horrific, horrific tragedy and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the Swiss people, the people involved,” Bowen told ABC RN radio. He continued, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is getting medical attention and the family is being assisted, assistance from the Australian embassy. 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 Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed on Friday morning it was providing consular assistance to the hurt national and their family. A foreign affairs official said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the family of an Australian that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Due to our confidentiality duties we are not in a position to give more details.” The official continued, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with Swiss officials to determine whether any additional Australians were affected. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.” Scope of Diplomatic Support Such support may involve: Reaching out to or attending medical facilities. Working with officials on site. Offering information on doctors and clinics. Assistance communicating with family members. Details of the Tragic Fire Local police reported the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the Valais resort. Recordings of the tragedy reveals fierce orange flames from inside the first-floor establishment. Cries and blaring music are audible, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building. Certain victims in the fire have yet to be identified yet due to the severity of their burns. Cause and the Blaze's Cause Swiss police said arson was not responsible for the inferno, which is considered to be the consequence of an unintentional act. Information for Worried Relatives Citizens anxious regarding loved ones potentially affected in the fire were advised to call the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on 1300-555-135.