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An Australian is among the 115 people injured in a fire that tore through a crowded bar during a end-of-year festivities in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Ministerial Confirmation on Australian Casualty

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured 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 nation of Switzerland, the victims and families,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He further stated, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is obtaining hospital treatment and the family is being assisted, assistance from the Australian embassy. Further details cannot be shared for reasons of personal privacy. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Continued Efforts

The nation's foreign affairs department 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. Owing to our privacy obligations we are not in a position to give more details.”

The official continued, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with Swiss officials to ascertain if any further Australian nationals were involved. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Such support may involve:

• Reaching out to or attending hospitals in the area.
• Working with officials on site.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Local police reported the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called the Constellation, which is located in the centre of the resort in Valais.

Recordings of the tragedy depicts orange fire raging from inside the first-floor establishment. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.

Certain victims in the blaze have not been able to be identified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.

Investigation into the Fire's Origin

Swiss police said the fire was not deliberately set for the blaze, which is thought 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 told to phone Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on 1300 555 135.