🔗 Share this article An Australian National Counted Among the Wounded in NYE Blaze That Killed 40 in Swiss Alpine Resort An Australian national is counted among the 115 individuals wounded in a inferno that engulfed a packed nightclub during a NYE celebration in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, killing 40 people. Government Statement on Australian Casualty Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian national was hurt and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support. “It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the people of Switzerland, the individuals affected,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio. He further stated, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is getting medical attention and the relatives are getting help, support from Australian diplomats. I am unable to provide more specifics for reasons of personal privacy. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.” Department Response and Continued Efforts The Australian DFAT stated this morning it was offering diplomatic support to the injured person and their family. A department representative said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the family members of an Australian citizen that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.” The spokesperson added, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with Swiss officials to establish if any other Australians were impacted. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.” Scope of Consular Assistance Consular assistance can include: Communicating with or visiting local hospitals. Coordinating with Swiss authorities. Offering information on doctors and clinics. Help in contacting relatives. Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze Local police reported the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation bar, which is situated in the heart of the alpine resort. Footage from the event shows orange flames billowing from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building. Some people who died in the fire have yet to be identified yet due to the extent of their injuries. Cause and the Blaze's Cause Investigators stated arson was not responsible for the blaze, which is thought to be the outcome of a mishap. Information for Worried Relatives Citizens anxious regarding loved ones potentially affected in the fire were advised to call the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on 1300-555-135.