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One Australian is included in the 115 people injured in a inferno that engulfed a busy tavern during a New Year’s Eve party in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Government Confirmation on Australian Casualty

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian citizen was among the 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 people of Switzerland, the victims and families,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He continued, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is obtaining hospital treatment and the family is being assisted, assistance from the Australian embassy. I am unable to provide more specifics for confidentiality obligations. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.”

Diplomatic Response and Continued Efforts

The nation's foreign affairs department verified early Friday it was giving consular help to the injured person and their family.

A Dfat spokesperson said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are prevented from commenting further.”

The representative further stated, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with local authorities to ascertain if any further Australian nationals were involved. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Nature of Diplomatic Support

Consular assistance can include:

• Reaching out to or attending local hospitals.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Local police reported the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called Le Constellation bar, which is located in the centre of the Valais resort.

Footage from the event reveals fierce orange flames from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, 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.

Cause and the Fire's Origin

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

Information for Concerned Australians

Australians concerned about relatives who might have been involved in the fire were advised to call Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on the number 1300 555 135.