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An Australian is among the 115 persons hurt in a blaze that ripped through a crowded bar during a end-of-year festivities in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people.

Ministerial Statement on Australian Injured Person

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian national was hurt and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.

“It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the people of Switzerland, the people involved,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He continued, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is receiving medical care and the family is being assisted, assistance from the Australian embassy. Further details cannot be shared for reasons of personal privacy. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.”

Department Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries

The Australian DFAT stated this morning it was offering diplomatic support to the hurt national and their family.

A foreign affairs official said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian that has been hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are unable to provide further comment.”

The spokesperson added, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with local authorities to determine whether any further Australian nationals were involved. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Scope of Diplomatic Support

Such support may involve:

• Contacting or going to hospitals in the area.
• Working with officials on site.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Assistance communicating with family members.

Details of the Blaze

Swiss police said the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called the Constellation, which is situated in the heart of the resort in Valais.

Footage from the event shows orange flames billowing from inside the street-level bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.

A number of those who perished in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the extent of their injuries.

Investigation into the Blaze's Cause

Investigators stated the fire was not deliberately set for the inferno, which is considered to be the result of an accident.

Information for Worried Relatives

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