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An Australian national is counted among the 115 individuals wounded in a fire that tore through a packed nightclub during a New Year’s Eve party in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, killing 40 people.

Ministerial Confirmation on National Injured Person

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian national was hurt and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts 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 receiving medical care and the family is receiving support, Australian consular support. I can’t go into any further details for confidentiality obligations. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Diplomatic Response and Ongoing Inquiries

The nation's foreign affairs department verified early Friday it was giving consular help to the hurt national and their family.

A department representative said: “Consular aid is being given by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the family of an Australian that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are prevented from commenting further.”

The representative further stated, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with Swiss officials to establish if any additional Australians were affected. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Reaching out to or attending hospitals in the area.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze

Authorities in Switzerland stated the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called Le Constellation bar, which is located in the centre of the Valais resort.

Footage from the event depicts orange fire raging from inside the street-level bar and lounge. Cries and blaring music are audible, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.

A number of those who perished in the blaze have not been able to be identified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.

Cause and the Fire's Origin

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

Advice for Concerned Australians

Citizens anxious regarding 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.