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One Australian is included in the 115 persons hurt in a blaze that ripped through a busy tavern during a New Year’s Eve party in the mountain resort of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Government Statement on Australian Injured Person

Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

“It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the people of Switzerland, the people involved,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He continued, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is receiving medical care and the relatives are getting help, Australian consular support. 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 Ongoing Inquiries

The nation's foreign affairs department confirmed on Friday morning it was providing consular assistance to the hurt national and their family.

A foreign affairs official said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the family members of an Australian citizen that has been hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are unable to provide further comment.”

The official continued, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with authorities on the ground to ascertain if any additional Australians were affected. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Scope of Diplomatic Support

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Contacting or going to hospitals in the area.
• Working with officials on site.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Details of the Blaze

Local police reported the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called Le Constellation bar, which is found in the downtown area 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 a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building.

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

Cause and the Fire's Origin

Authorities confirmed arson was not responsible for the blaze, which is thought to be the consequence of an unintentional act.

Advice for Worried Relatives

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