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One Australian is included in the 115 persons hurt in a fire that tore through a busy tavern during a New Year’s Eve party in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Ministerial Statement on National Casualty

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 I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the people of Switzerland, the individuals affected,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He added, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is getting medical attention and the relatives are getting help, support from Australian diplomats. I can’t go into any further details for privacy reasons. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries

The Australian DFAT verified early Friday it was providing consular assistance to the injured person and their family.

A Dfat spokesperson said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the family members of an Australian citizen that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Due to our confidentiality duties we are not in a position to give more details.”

The representative further stated, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with authorities on the ground to ascertain if any other Australians were impacted. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Such support may involve:

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

Details of the Tragic Fire

Local police reported the fire started at about 1.30am, 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 depicts orange fire raging from inside the first-floor establishment. Cries and blaring music are audible, and a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building.

Some people who died 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 blaze, which is thought to be the result of an accident.

Information for Worried Relatives

Citizens anxious regarding family members who may have been caught up in the fire were advised to call the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on 1300-555-135.