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An Australian is among the 115 persons hurt in a fire that tore through a packed nightclub during a New Year’s Eve party in the Swiss ski resort of Crans Montana, killing 40 people.

Government Statement on National Casualty

Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian had been injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the Swiss people, the individuals affected,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He continued, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was 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 reasons of personal privacy. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries

The Australian DFAT verified early Friday it was offering diplomatic support to the hurt national and their family.

A Dfat spokesperson said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the family members of an Australian citizen that has been hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are unable to provide further comment.”

The representative further stated, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with Swiss officials to establish if any additional Australians were affected. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Scope of Consular Assistance

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Reaching out to or attending local hospitals.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Details of the Tragic Fire

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

Recordings of the tragedy shows orange flames billowing from inside the first-floor establishment. Cries and blaring music are audible, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.

Certain victims in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the severity of their burns.

Investigation into the Fire's Origin

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

Information for Concerned Australians

Australians concerned about family members who may have been caught up in the fire were instructed to contact Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on the number 1300 555 135.