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An Australian is among the 115 persons hurt in a inferno that engulfed a busy tavern during a New Year’s Eve party in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Government Confirmation on Australian Injured Person

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, announced this 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 am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the Swiss people, the victims and families,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He continued, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is obtaining hospital treatment and the family is being assisted, Australian consular support. I can’t go into any further details for confidentiality obligations. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries

The Australian DFAT stated this morning it was offering diplomatic support 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 hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”

The spokesperson added, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with Swiss officials to establish if any other Australians were impacted. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Scope of Consular Assistance

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Reaching out to or attending medical facilities.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• 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 Le Constellation bar, which is located in the centre of the Valais resort.

Video of the incident reveals fierce orange flames from inside the first-floor establishment. Cries and blaring music are audible, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building.

Some people who died in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the severity of their burns.

Investigation into the Fire's Origin

Investigators stated it was not a case of arson for the fire, which is believed to be the result of an accident.

Information for Worried Relatives

Australians concerned about relatives who might have been involved in the fire were advised to call the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on 1300 555 135.