Australian among the injured in New Year’s Eve fire that killed 40 at Swiss ski resort | Australia news

An Australian was among the 115 people injured in a fire that broke out in a crowded bar during a New Year’s party in Switzerland’s Crans-Montana ski resort, and 40 people lost their lives.

Australian Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian had been injured and was receiving medical and consular support.

“This is clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the people of Switzerland, to those involved,” Bowen told ABC RN radio on Friday morning.

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“I can confirm that an Australian has been injured and is receiving medical care and the family is receiving Australian consular support. For confidentiality reasons I cannot go into further detail. This individual’s name is not being released at this time.”

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed on Friday morning it was providing consular assistance to the injured man and his family.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who was injured and is receiving medical care following the fire,” a Dfat spokesperson said. “We cannot comment further due to our confidentiality obligations.

“Dfat is making urgent inquiries with local authorities to determine whether any other Australians have been affected. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Consular assistance may include contacting or visiting local hospitals and local authorities, providing a list of medical providers, and assistance in communicating with family members.

Swiss police said the fire started at around 1.30am local time (0030 GMT) in a bar frequented by tourists called Le Constellation, located in the center of the Valais resort.

Video of the incident shows orange flames rising from inside the bar and lounge on the ground floor. Screams and loud music were heard, while many people were seen collapsing outside the building.

The identities of some of the people who lost their lives in the fire have not yet been determined due to the condition of their burns.

Australians concerned about family members who may have been exposed to the fire are advised to call Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on 1300 555 135.

Swiss police said arson was not responsible for the fire, which was thought to have started by accident.