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An Australian is among the 115 people injured in a inferno that engulfed a packed nightclub during a New Year’s Eve party in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Ministerial Statement on National Injured Person

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian had been injured and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the Swiss people, the victims and families,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He added, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is obtaining hospital treatment and the family is being assisted, Australian consular support. I am unable to provide more specifics for reasons of personal privacy. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.”

Diplomatic Response and Continued Efforts

The Australian DFAT confirmed on Friday morning it was providing consular assistance to the affected individual and their relatives.

A foreign affairs official said: “Consular aid is being given by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the family of an Australian 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, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with local authorities to establish if any additional Australians were affected. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Scope of Diplomatic Support

Such support may involve:

• Reaching out to or attending local hospitals.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Swiss police said the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called the Constellation, which is situated in the heart of the alpine resort.

Footage from the event depicts orange fire raging from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Screams and loud music can be heard, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.

A number of those who perished in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the severity of their burns.

Investigation into the Fire's Origin

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

Advice for Worried Relatives

Australians concerned about family members who may have been caught up in the fire were advised to call Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on 1300 555 135.