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An Australian is among 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, claiming 40 lives.

Government Confirmation on Australian Casualty

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 is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the nation of Switzerland, the people involved,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He continued, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is obtaining hospital treatment and the family is receiving support, assistance from the Australian embassy. I can’t go into any further details for reasons of personal privacy. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Department Response and Continued Efforts

The Australian DFAT confirmed on Friday morning it was providing consular assistance to the hurt national and their family.

A Dfat spokesperson said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the relatives of an Australian national that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are prevented from commenting further.”

The representative further stated, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with Swiss officials to ascertain if any other Australians were impacted. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Consular assistance can include:

• Communicating with or visiting local hospitals.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze

Swiss police said the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called Le Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the Valais resort.

Video of the incident reveals fierce orange flames from inside the street-level bar and lounge. Screams and loud music can be heard, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building.

Certain victims in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.

Investigation into the Blaze's Cause

Authorities confirmed the fire was not deliberately set for the blaze, which is thought to be the outcome of a mishap.

Information for Worried Relatives

Australians concerned about family members who may have been caught up in the fire were advised to call the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on the number 1300 555 135.