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An Australian is among the 115 persons hurt in a inferno that engulfed a busy tavern during a end-of-year festivities in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Ministerial Statement on National Casualty

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian had been injured and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

“This is undoubtedly a horrific, horrific tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the Swiss people, the people involved,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He further stated, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is obtaining hospital treatment and the family is receiving support, support from Australian diplomats. Further details cannot be shared for reasons of personal privacy. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated this morning it was giving consular help to the hurt national and their family.

A department representative said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the family members of an Australian citizen 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 making urgent inquiries with Swiss officials to establish if any additional Australians were affected. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Scope of Diplomatic Support

Such support may involve:

• Reaching out to or attending local hospitals.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Details of the Tragic Fire

Local police reported the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation bar, which is located in the centre of the resort in Valais.

Recordings of the tragedy depicts orange fire raging from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building.

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

Investigation into the Fire's Origin

Authorities confirmed it was not a case of arson for the inferno, which is considered to be the outcome of a mishap.

Advice for Concerned Australians

Australian nationals worried about relatives who might have been involved in the fire were advised to call the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on 1300-555-135.