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An Australian national is counted among the 115 individuals wounded in a fire that tore through a crowded bar during a end-of-year festivities in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Ministerial Statement on Australian Injured Person

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian had been injured and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.

“It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the Swiss people, the individuals affected,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He added, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured 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 privacy reasons. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries

The nation's foreign affairs department stated this morning it was offering diplomatic support to the affected individual and their relatives.

A department representative said: “Consular aid is being given by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the family members of an Australian citizen that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are not in a position to give more details.”

The representative further stated, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with authorities on the ground to ascertain if any other Australians were impacted. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Scope of Consular Assistance

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Communicating with or visiting local hospitals.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Details of the Tragic Fire

Authorities in Switzerland stated the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called the Constellation, which is situated in the heart of the Valais resort.

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.

Cause and the Fire's Origin

Swiss police said the fire was not deliberately set for the fire, which is believed to be the consequence of an unintentional act.

Advice for Worried Relatives

Australians concerned about loved ones potentially affected in the fire were told to phone the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on 1300-555-135.