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An Australian national is counted among the 115 individuals wounded in a inferno that engulfed a busy tavern during a end-of-year festivities in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Government Confirmation on Australian Casualty

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian national was hurt and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

“It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the nation of Switzerland, the individuals affected,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He continued, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is obtaining hospital treatment and the family is receiving support, support from Australian diplomats. Further details cannot be shared for reasons of personal privacy. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.”

Diplomatic Response and Ongoing Inquiries

The Australian DFAT confirmed on Friday morning it was providing consular assistance to the injured person and their family.

A foreign affairs official said: “Consular aid is being given by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 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 making urgent inquiries with authorities on the ground to determine whether any additional Australians were affected. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Scope of Consular Assistance

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Reaching out to or attending medical facilities.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Assistance communicating with family members.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Swiss police said the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation bar, which is situated in the heart of the alpine resort.

Video of the incident shows orange flames billowing from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Screams and loud music can be heard, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.

Some people who died in the fire have yet to be identified yet due to the severity of their burns.

Cause and the Fire's Origin

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

Information for Concerned Australians

Australian nationals worried about 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.