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An Australian is among the 115 persons hurt in a blaze that ripped through a busy tavern during a end-of-year festivities in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people.

Government Confirmation on Australian Casualty

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian national was hurt and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.

“This is undoubtedly a horrific, horrific tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the people of Switzerland, the individuals affected,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He continued, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is getting medical attention and the family is being assisted, Australian consular support. Further details cannot be shared for confidentiality obligations. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Department Response and Continued Efforts

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated this morning it was giving consular help to the hurt national and their family.

A foreign affairs official said: “Consular aid is being given by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the relatives of an Australian national that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are not in a position to give more details.”

The official continued, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with Swiss officials to establish if any further Australian nationals were involved. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Scope of Consular Assistance

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Reaching out to or attending medical facilities.
• Working with officials on site.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Assistance communicating with family members.

Details of the Tragic Fire

Swiss police said the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called the Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the resort in Valais.

Footage from the event shows orange flames billowing from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Cries and blaring music are audible, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.

A number of those who perished in the blaze have not been able to be identified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.

Cause and the Fire's Origin

Investigators stated the fire was not deliberately set for the blaze, which is thought to be the result of an accident.

Information for Concerned Australians

Citizens anxious regarding relatives who might have been involved in the fire were advised to call the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on the number 1300 555 135.