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An Australian is among the 115 persons hurt in a blaze that ripped through a crowded bar during a New Year’s Eve party in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Government Confirmation on National Casualty

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the people of Switzerland, the people involved,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He continued, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is receiving medical care and the family is being assisted, Australian consular support. I can’t go into any further details for confidentiality obligations. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Continued Efforts

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed on Friday morning it was offering diplomatic support to the hurt national and their family.

A department representative said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the family members of an Australian citizen that has been hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Due to our confidentiality duties we are unable to provide further comment.”

The representative further stated, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with authorities on the ground to determine whether any additional Australians were affected. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Nature of Diplomatic Support

Consular assistance can include:

• Contacting or going to hospitals in the area.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Assistance communicating with family members.

Details of the Tragic Fire

Local police reported the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called Le Constellation, which is situated in the heart of the alpine resort.

Recordings of the tragedy depicts orange fire raging from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Screams and loud music can be heard, and several people were seen collapsed 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.

Investigation into the Blaze's Cause

Investigators stated the fire was not deliberately set for the blaze, which is thought to be the consequence of an unintentional act.

Information for Worried Relatives

Citizens anxious regarding loved ones potentially affected in the fire were told to phone the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on the number 1300 555 135.