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An Australian is among 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 Confirmation on Australian Injured Person

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian national was hurt and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

“It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the nation of Switzerland, the people involved,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

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

Diplomatic Assistance and Continued Efforts

The nation's foreign affairs department 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 relatives of an Australian national that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”

The representative further stated, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with local authorities to establish if any additional Australians were affected. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Scope of Diplomatic Support

Consular assistance can include:

• Communicating with or visiting hospitals in the area.
• Working with officials on site.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Assistance communicating with family members.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Local police reported the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called the Constellation, which is situated in the heart of the Valais resort.

Video of the incident shows orange flames billowing from inside the first-floor establishment. Cries and blaring music are audible, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building.

A number of those who perished in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the severity of their burns.

Investigation into the Blaze's Cause

Authorities confirmed the fire was not deliberately set for the fire, which is believed to be the outcome of a mishap.

Advice for Worried Relatives

Australian nationals worried about loved ones potentially affected in the fire were instructed to contact the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on 1300 555 135.