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An Australian national is counted among the 115 persons hurt in a inferno that engulfed a crowded bar during a end-of-year festivities in the mountain resort of Crans Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Ministerial Confirmation on Australian Casualty

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian had been injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

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

He added, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is receiving medical care and the family is receiving support, assistance from the Australian embassy. I can’t go into any further details for privacy reasons. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.”

Department Assistance and Continued Efforts

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

A Dfat spokesperson 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 spokesperson added, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with authorities on the ground to ascertain if any other Australians were impacted. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Nature of Diplomatic Support

Such support may involve:

• Communicating with or visiting local hospitals.
• Working with officials on site.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Assistance communicating with family members.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Swiss police said the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation, which is situated in the heart of the resort in Valais.

Video of the incident shows orange flames billowing from inside the first-floor establishment. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.

Certain victims in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the extent of their injuries.

Cause and the Blaze's Cause

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

Advice for Concerned Australians

Australian nationals worried about family members who may have been caught up in the fire were told to phone Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on the number 1300 555 135.