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One Australian is included in the 115 persons hurt in a blaze that ripped through a crowded bar during a New Year’s Eve party in the mountain resort of Crans Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Ministerial Confirmation on Australian Injured Person

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.

“This is undoubtedly a horrific, horrific tragedy and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the Swiss people, the people involved,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He added, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is obtaining hospital treatment and the family is receiving support, assistance from the Australian embassy. I am unable to provide more specifics for confidentiality obligations. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Diplomatic Response and Continued Efforts

The nation's foreign affairs department verified early Friday it was giving consular help to the affected individual and their relatives.

A department representative said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are prevented from commenting further.”

The spokesperson added, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with local authorities to ascertain if any additional Australians were affected. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Consular assistance can include:

• Communicating with or visiting hospitals in the area.
• Working with officials on site.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Authorities in Switzerland stated the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the resort in Valais.

Recordings of the tragedy reveals fierce orange flames from inside the first-floor establishment. 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 extent of their injuries.

Investigation into the Blaze's Cause

Swiss police said the fire was not deliberately set for the blaze, which is thought to be the result of an accident.

Information for Concerned Australians

Australian nationals worried about loved ones potentially affected in the fire were told to phone the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on 1300 555 135.