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One Australian is included in the 115 individuals wounded in a inferno that engulfed a busy tavern during a end-of-year festivities in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Ministerial Statement on National Casualty

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.

“It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the people of Switzerland, the victims and families,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He added, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is getting medical attention and the relatives are getting help, assistance from the Australian embassy. Further details cannot be shared for confidentiality obligations. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Department Response and Continued Efforts

The nation's foreign affairs department verified early Friday it was giving consular help to the affected individual and their relatives.

A Dfat spokesperson said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the family members of an Australian citizen that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are not in a position to give more details.”

The representative further stated, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with Swiss officials to determine whether any other Australians were impacted. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Scope of Consular Assistance

Consular assistance can include:

• Communicating with or visiting hospitals in the area.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Details of the Tragic Fire

Local police reported the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called Le Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the resort in Valais.

Recordings of the tragedy reveals fierce orange flames 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 inferno remain unidentified yet due to the severity of their burns.

Cause and the Blaze's Cause

Authorities confirmed arson was not responsible for the inferno, which is considered to be the result of an accident.

Information for Concerned Australians

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