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.
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.
Survivors have since described harrowing scenes inside the club as people were burned and overcome by smoke.
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
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.
More to come.
