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An Australian is among the 115 individuals wounded in a blaze that ripped through a packed nightclub during a New Year’s Eve party in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Government Confirmation on Australian Casualty

Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the Swiss people, the people involved,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He added, “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. I can’t go into any further details for confidentiality obligations. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Diplomatic Response and Ongoing Inquiries

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 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 of an Australian that has been hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Due to our confidentiality duties we are unable to provide further comment.”

The spokesperson added, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with authorities on the ground to determine whether any additional Australians were affected. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Consular assistance can include:

• Reaching out to or attending local hospitals.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze

Local police reported the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation, which is situated in the heart of the resort in Valais.

Footage from the event 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.

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

Investigation into the Blaze's Cause

Authorities confirmed arson was not responsible for the fire, which is believed to be the consequence of an unintentional act.

Advice for Worried Relatives

Australian nationals worried about family members who may have been caught up in the fire were told to phone Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on 1300-555-135.