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An Australian national is counted among the 115 people injured in a inferno that engulfed a busy tavern during a New Year’s Eve party in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Government Confirmation on Australian Injured Person

Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian national was hurt and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the nation of Switzerland, the victims and families,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He continued, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is receiving medical care and the family is being assisted, Australian consular support. I am unable to provide more specifics for privacy reasons. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Continued Efforts

The Australian DFAT stated this morning it was giving consular help to the affected individual and their relatives.

A foreign affairs official said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the relatives of an Australian national 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 spokesperson added, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with local authorities to determine whether any other Australians were impacted. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Scope of Consular Assistance

Such support may involve:

• Communicating with or visiting hospitals in the area.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Details of the Tragic Fire

Local police reported the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called the Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the Valais resort.

Recordings of the tragedy depicts orange fire raging from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Cries and blaring music are audible, and a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building.

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

Cause and the Fire's Origin

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

Advice for Worried Relatives

Australian nationals worried about relatives who might have been involved in the fire were advised to call the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on 1300-555-135.