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One Australian is included in the 115 individuals wounded in a fire that tore through a packed nightclub during a end-of-year festivities in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Government Statement on National Casualty

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian had been injured and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

“It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the Swiss people, 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. I am unable to provide more specifics for privacy reasons. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Continued Efforts

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade verified early Friday 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 wounded and is in care following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are prevented from commenting further.”

The representative further stated, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with local authorities to determine whether any other Australians were impacted. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Nature of Diplomatic Support

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Contacting or going to local hospitals.
• Working with officials on site.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Assistance communicating with family members.

Details of the Tragic Fire

Local police reported 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.

Footage from the event depicts orange fire raging from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Cries and blaring music are audible, and a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building.

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

Cause and the Blaze's Cause

Swiss police said it was not a case of arson for the blaze, which is thought to be the consequence of an unintentional act.

Information for Concerned Australians

Australians concerned about relatives who might have been involved in the fire were instructed to contact Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on 1300-555-135.