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An Australian is among the 115 persons hurt in a blaze that ripped through a packed nightclub during a New Year’s Eve party in the mountain resort of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Government Statement on National Casualty

Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian had been injured and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.

“This is undoubtedly a horrific, horrific tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the nation of Switzerland, the victims and families,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He continued, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is obtaining hospital treatment and the relatives are getting help, assistance from the Australian embassy. Further details cannot be shared for privacy reasons. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.”

Diplomatic Response and Ongoing Inquiries

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated this morning it was providing consular assistance 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. Because of our privacy commitments we are not in a position to give more details.”

The representative further stated, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with authorities on the ground to determine whether any other Australians were impacted. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Consular assistance can include:

• Contacting or going to medical facilities.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

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

Recordings of the tragedy depicts orange fire raging from inside the ground-floor 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 extent of their injuries.

Investigation into the Fire's Origin

Swiss police said arson was not responsible for the blaze, which is thought to be the outcome of a mishap.

Advice for Concerned Australians

Australians concerned about relatives who might have been involved in the fire were told to phone the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on the number 1300 555 135.