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An Australian national is counted among the 115 persons hurt in a inferno that engulfed a crowded bar during a New Year’s Eve party in the mountain resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people.

Ministerial Confirmation on National Injured Person

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

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the people of Switzerland, the victims and families,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He continued, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is getting medical attention and the family is receiving support, Australian consular support. I am unable to provide more specifics for privacy reasons. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Diplomatic Response and Ongoing Inquiries

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated this morning it was giving consular help to the injured person and their family.

A foreign affairs official said: “Consular aid is being given by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the relatives of an Australian national that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Due to our confidentiality duties we are not in a position to give more details.”

The official continued, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with local authorities to ascertain if any additional Australians were affected. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Reaching out to or attending local hospitals.
• Working with officials on site.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Details of the Blaze

Authorities in Switzerland stated the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, 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 shows orange flames billowing from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building.

Certain victims in the fire have yet to be identified yet due to the extent of their injuries.

Cause and the Fire's Origin

Swiss police said it was not a case of arson for the inferno, which is considered to be the result of an accident.

Advice for Concerned Australians

Citizens anxious regarding family members who may have been caught up in the fire were instructed to contact the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on 1300 555 135.