Australian injured in deadly inferno that killed 40 people at luxury Swiss ski resort on New Year’s Eve
An Australian is among those injured in a horror blaze that claimed the lives of at least 40 people at a luxury ski resort in Switzerland during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed consular assistance is being provided to the family of the Australian, who is receiving medical care.
The Australian government is in touch with Swiss authorities to determine whether any other Australians were involved.
‘We stand ready to provide consular assistance,’ the foreign affairs department spokesperson added.
Consular assistance can include communicating with or visiting local hospitals, local authorities, provision of lists of medical providers and assistance communicating with family members.
At least 115 people were injured when the blaze ripped through the Le Constellation bar in the resort in southwestern Switzerland.
Investigators said the fire rapidly intensified into a flashover, when extreme heat caused everything inside the enclosed space to ignite almost at once, leaving people little chance to flee.
Witnesses believe the blaze began after a waitress holding a sparkler during champagne service ignited material on the ceiling above the packed bar shortly after 1.30am on New Year’s Eve.
Panicked partygoers can be seen rushing to escape the venue, while others seem to remain underground filming the blaze
Dramatic footage shows enormous flames rapidly spreading over the ceiling of the cramped bar, as heavy music blares out of the speakers
People have laid floral tributes to the victims outside the Le Constellation bar
Survivors have since described harrowing scenes inside the club as people were burned and overcome by smoke.
One witness, Gianni, told Swiss outlet 20 Minuten that victims suffered severe burns, with faces ‘completely disfigured’ and hair burned away. He said many were left blackened by the flames, with their clothes fused to their skin.
Video footage verified by Reuters showed fire spreading from the building, and witnesses described scenes of panic and confusion as people rushed to get out.
The head of the local canton’s police, Frederic Gisler, said work is underway to identify the victims and inform their families.
Swiss President Guy Parmelin described the disaster as ‘one of the worst tragedies our country has ever known’, noting most of the dead were young people.
Some reports suggest patients as young as 15 are being treated for severe burns.
Due to the significant number of casualties and capacity of local hospitals, some patients have also been transported to Milan, Germany and France for treatment.
It comes as it was revealed the nightclub had previously received a safety rating of just 6.5 out of 10 on a public review platform, a detail now drawing attention as investigators examine how the fire spread so quickly.
Police commander Frédéric Gisler said the fire ‘started in the basement of the bar’ and there was a crush as people desperately tried to get out via the single staircase
Police officers and rescuers stand near the site where the blaze tore through, leaving 40 dead
The listing on the review website, Wheree, did not specify any particular areas for concern in the club. Wheree aggregates ratings for venues on a range of issues, including safety, location and prices, from people who visit.
The bar is owned by a French couple aged 49 and 40, who have lived in the valley for almost a decade, according to French broadcaster BFMTV citing a source close to the investigation.
The female owner was inside the bar when the fire broke out and suffered burns to her arm, while her partner was at one of their other establishments at the time. Both were described as ‘completely in shock’.
The venue was hosting more than 100 people at the time and is licensed to hold up to 300, with a further 40 on its terrace.
16 Italians have been reported missing after the fire tore through the bar, while around a dozen more Italian nationals are being treated in hospital with serious burn injuries.
The French foreign ministry said eight of its citizens remain missing.
Australians concerned about family members who may have been caught up in the fire are advised to call DFAT’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on 1300 555 135.
