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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 mountain resort of Crans Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Ministerial Confirmation on Australian Casualty

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian national was hurt and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the people of Switzerland, the victims and families,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He continued, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is getting medical attention and the family is being assisted, assistance from the Australian embassy. Further details cannot be shared for reasons of personal privacy. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Department Response and Continued Efforts

The Australian DFAT confirmed on Friday morning it was offering diplomatic support to the injured person and their family.

A department representative said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the relatives of an Australian national that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are prevented from commenting further.”

The representative further stated, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with local authorities to determine whether any further Australian nationals were involved. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Scope of Diplomatic Support

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Communicating with or visiting local hospitals.
• Working with officials on site.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Details of the Blaze

Swiss police said the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called Le Constellation bar, which is found in the downtown area of the resort in Valais.

Footage from the event reveals fierce orange flames from inside the ground-floor 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 blaze have not been able to be identified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.

Investigation into the Fire's Origin

Authorities confirmed the fire was not deliberately set for the fire, which is believed 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 told to phone Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on 1300 555 135.