🔗 Share this article Australian Counted Among the Injured in New Year’s Eve Blaze That Killed 40 in Switzerland's Ski Resort One Australian is included in the 115 persons hurt in a fire that tore through a busy tavern during a New Year’s Eve party in the mountain resort of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives. Ministerial Confirmation on Australian Injured Person Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian had been injured and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support. “It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the nation of Switzerland, the people involved,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio. He further stated, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is getting medical attention and the relatives are getting help, support from Australian diplomats. I am unable to provide more specifics for privacy reasons. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.” Diplomatic Response and Ongoing Inquiries Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade verified early Friday it was offering diplomatic support to the injured person and their family. A department representative said: “Consular aid is being given by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the relatives of an Australian national that has been hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are not in a position to give more details.” The official continued, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with authorities on the ground to ascertain if any other Australians were impacted. Our team is ready to give consular help.” Nature of Consular Assistance Consular assistance can include: Contacting or going to medical facilities. Coordinating with Swiss authorities. Provision of lists of medical providers. Assistance communicating with family members. Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire 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. Footage from the event reveals fierce orange flames from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building. Certain victims in the blaze have not been able to be identified yet due to the extent of their injuries. Investigation into the Blaze's Cause Swiss police said it was not a case of arson for the fire, which is believed to be the result of an accident. Information for Concerned Australians Citizens anxious regarding relatives who might have been involved in the fire were told to phone the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on the number 1300 555 135.