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An Australian is among the 115 persons hurt in a fire that tore through a packed nightclub during a end-of-year festivities in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Ministerial Statement on National Injured Person

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the Swiss people, the victims and families,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He continued, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is getting medical attention and the family is receiving support, assistance from the Australian embassy. I am unable to provide more specifics for reasons of personal privacy. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Department Response and Continued Efforts

The Australian DFAT stated this morning it was giving consular help to the hurt national and their family.

A Dfat spokesperson said: “Consular aid is being given by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the family of an Australian that has been hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Due to our confidentiality duties we are prevented from commenting further.”

The official continued, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with local authorities to determine whether any other Australians were impacted. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Contacting or going to medical facilities.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Assistance communicating with family members.

Details of the Tragic Fire

Authorities in Switzerland stated the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a bar popular with tourists called the Constellation, which is located in the centre of the resort in Valais.

Footage from the event shows orange flames billowing from inside the first-floor establishment. Cries and blaring music are audible, and a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building.

Some people who died in the blaze have not been able to be identified yet due to the severity of their burns.

Investigation into the Blaze's Cause

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

Advice for Concerned Australians

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