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An Australian national is counted among the 115 people injured in a fire that tore through a crowded bar during a New Year’s Eve party in the Swiss ski resort of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Government Confirmation on National 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 getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

“It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the people of Switzerland, the individuals affected,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He added, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is receiving medical care and the family is receiving support, support from Australian diplomats. I can’t go into any further details for confidentiality obligations. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Department Response and Continued Efforts

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated this morning it was offering diplomatic support to the affected individual and their relatives.

A Dfat spokesperson 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. Due to our confidentiality duties we are not in a position to give more details.”

The official continued, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with Swiss officials to determine whether any additional Australians were affected. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Consular assistance can include:

• Contacting or going to local hospitals.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Authorities in Switzerland stated the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the Valais resort.

Footage from the event reveals fierce orange flames from inside the street-level bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building.

A number of those who perished in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.

Cause and the Blaze's Cause

Investigators stated it was not a case of arson for the fire, which is believed to be the outcome of a mishap.

Advice for Concerned Australians

Australian nationals worried about family members who may have been caught up in the fire were told to phone the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on the number 1300 555 135.