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One Australian is included in the 115 persons hurt in a blaze that ripped through a packed nightclub during a New Year’s Eve party in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, killing 40 people.

Ministerial Statement on Australian Casualty

Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

“This is undoubtedly a horrific, horrific tragedy and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the people of Switzerland, the victims and families,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He continued, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is getting medical attention 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 person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Department Response and Ongoing Inquiries

The Australian DFAT verified early Friday it was providing consular assistance to the affected individual and their relatives.

A department representative said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Due to our confidentiality duties we are unable to provide further comment.”

The spokesperson added, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with Swiss officials to determine whether any additional Australians were affected. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Scope of Diplomatic Support

Such support may involve:

• Communicating with or visiting hospitals in the area.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Details of the Blaze

Authorities in Switzerland stated the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called the Constellation, which is located in the centre of the alpine resort.

Recordings of the tragedy shows orange flames billowing 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

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

Information for Concerned Australians

Citizens anxious regarding loved ones potentially affected in the fire were advised to call the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on 1300 555 135.