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An Australian national is counted among the 115 individuals wounded in a inferno that engulfed a crowded bar during a end-of-year festivities in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people.

Ministerial Statement on National Casualty

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian national was hurt 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 people of Switzerland, the victims and families,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He added, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was 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 name of the individual is not being released at this point.”

Department Response and Continued Efforts

The nation's foreign affairs department confirmed on Friday morning it was giving consular help to the injured person and their family.

A Dfat spokesperson said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the family members of an Australian citizen that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Due to our confidentiality duties we are prevented from commenting further.”

The representative further stated, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with Swiss officials to ascertain if any further Australian nationals were involved. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Scope of Diplomatic Support

Consular assistance can include:

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

Details of the Blaze

Local police reported the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation bar, which is situated in the heart of the resort in Valais.

Recordings of the tragedy shows orange flames billowing from inside the street-level bar and lounge. Screams and loud music can be heard, and a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building.

Some people who died in the blaze have not been able to be identified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.

Cause and 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 Concerned Australians

Australians concerned about relatives who might have been involved in the fire were told to phone Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on 1300-555-135.