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An Australian national is counted among the 115 persons hurt in a fire that tore through a packed nightclub during a end-of-year festivities in the Swiss ski resort of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Ministerial Statement on National Injured Person

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian had been injured and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the nation of Switzerland, the individuals affected,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He added, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is getting medical attention and the family is receiving support, support from Australian diplomats. Further details cannot be shared for privacy reasons. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries

The nation's foreign affairs department stated this morning it was providing consular assistance to the hurt national and their family.

A foreign affairs official 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. Because of our privacy commitments we are not in a position to give more details.”

The representative further stated, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with authorities on the ground to determine whether any additional Australians were affected. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Nature of Diplomatic Support

Such support may involve:

• Reaching out to or attending local hospitals.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Assistance communicating with family members.

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, which is found in the downtown area of the Valais resort.

Recordings of the tragedy depicts orange fire raging from inside the street-level bar and lounge. Screams and loud music can be heard, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building.

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

Cause and the Fire's Origin

Authorities confirmed the fire was not deliberately set for the inferno, which is considered to be the consequence of an unintentional act.

Advice for Worried Relatives

Citizens anxious regarding 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.