Australian among injured in deadly bar fire in Swiss Alps

An Australian has been injured in a horror blaze that killed at least 40 people at a crowded New Year’s Eve bar in the Swiss Alps. A further 115 people were injured in the fire that broke out in the Le Constellation bar in the Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana on Thursday. Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the blaze as one of the most traumatic events in the country’s history, with five days of mourning to be held. On Friday morning, Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen told the ABC Radio National that one Australian had been injured in the blaze. “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is receiving medical care, and the family is receiving support, Australian consular support,” he said. “I can’t go into any further details for privacy reasons. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.” Mr Bowen said authorities were only aware of a single Australian caught up in the blaze. “But, obviously there’s still a lot going on in Switzerland just as we speak.” He described the incident as a “terrible tragedy” and said people who were worried about family members should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). A spokesperson confirmed DFAT was assisting the family of an Australian injured in the fire who is receiving “medical care”. They said DFAT was also making “urgent inquiries with local authorities to determine whether any other Australians were impacted”. “We extend our deepest condolences to those affected by the devastating fire at the Le Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort in the Swiss Alps,” the spokesperson said. “Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment. “We stand ready to provide consular assistance.” Valais Cantonal Police Commander Frederic Gisler described the fire as an “unprecedented tragedy”. He told reporters authorities had counted “around 40 people who have died and around 115 injured, most of them seriously”. The people, he said, had been rushed to hospitals in Zurich and Geneva. Mr Parmelin said what should have been a “moment of joy turned into a tragedy that has touched the whole of Switzerland and abroad”. “The Federal Council has taken note of this with deep dismay,” he said. “Its thoughts are with the victims, the injured and their families and it extends its deepest condolences.” Mr Parmelin was elected federal president on December 10 and only took the reigns on Thursday. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, which erupted shortly after 1.30am local time. They have, though, so far rejected arson or terrorism as probable causes of the fire. Foreign nationals are expected to be among the deceased. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Italian broadcaster Rete4 that about 15 Italians had been injured in the fire, with a similar number remaining missing. “The Italian government is following minute by minute the evolution of the situation in Cras Montana,” he said. Mr Tajani confirmed that he had spoked with President Parmelin and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Located within the heart of the Swiss Alps, Crans-Montana is famous for its alpine skiing with some 140km of marked ski runs. It includes the Plaine Morte Glacier and 2927m tall Pointe de la Plaine Morte.