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One Australian is included in the 115 people injured in a fire that tore through a busy tavern during a end-of-year festivities in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Ministerial Statement on Australian Casualty

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian had been injured and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the people of Switzerland, the people involved,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He added, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is obtaining hospital treatment and the family is being assisted, assistance from the Australian embassy. I can’t go into any further details for confidentiality obligations. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries

The Australian DFAT verified early Friday it was giving consular help 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 hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are prevented from commenting further.”

The representative further stated, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with local authorities to ascertain if any additional Australians were affected. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Scope of Consular Assistance

Such support may involve:

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

Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze

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 found in the downtown area of the resort in Valais.

Recordings of the tragedy depicts orange fire raging from inside the street-level bar and lounge. Screams and loud music can be heard, and a number of individuals were observed fallen 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 the fire was not deliberately set for the blaze, which is thought to be the result of an accident.

Information for Worried Relatives

Australians concerned about loved ones potentially affected in the fire were advised to call the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on 1300-555-135.