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An Australian is among the 115 individuals wounded in a fire that tore through a crowded bar 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

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday 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 nation of Switzerland, the individuals affected,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He continued, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is getting medical attention and the relatives are getting help, support from Australian diplomats. I can’t go into any further details for privacy reasons. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Department Response and Continued Efforts

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated this morning it was giving consular help to the affected individual and their relatives.

A Dfat spokesperson said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the relatives of an Australian national that has been hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Due to our confidentiality duties we are unable to provide further comment.”

The representative further stated, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with Swiss officials to establish if any other Australians were impacted. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Consular assistance can include:

• Reaching out to or attending medical facilities.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

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

Footage from the event shows orange flames billowing from inside the first-floor establishment. Screams and loud music can be heard, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building.

Certain victims in the fire have yet to be identified yet due to the severity of their burns.

Cause and the Blaze's Cause

Authorities confirmed it was not a case of arson for the inferno, which is considered to be the result of an accident.

Information for Concerned Australians

Citizens anxious regarding loved ones potentially affected in the fire were instructed to contact Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on the number 1300 555 135.