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An Australian is among the 115 people injured in a inferno that engulfed a busy tavern during a New Year’s Eve party in the mountain resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people.

Government Confirmation on Australian Casualty

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, announced this morning 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 Swiss people, the people involved,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He added, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is getting medical attention and the family is receiving support, support from Australian diplomats. I can’t go into any further details for reasons of personal privacy. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Department Response and Continued Efforts

The nation's foreign affairs department verified early Friday it was providing consular assistance to the injured person and their family.

A department representative said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the relatives of an Australian national that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Due to our confidentiality duties we are not in a position to give more details.”

The official continued, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with local authorities to ascertain if any other Australians were impacted. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Nature of Diplomatic Support

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Communicating with or visiting local hospitals.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Details of the Tragic Fire

Authorities in Switzerland stated the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called Le Constellation bar, which is found in the downtown area of the alpine resort.

Recordings of the tragedy reveals fierce orange flames from inside the first-floor establishment. Cries and blaring music are audible, 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.

Investigation into the Blaze's Cause

Investigators stated it was not a case of arson for the inferno, which is considered to be the outcome of a mishap.

Information for Concerned Australians

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