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An Australian national is counted among the 115 persons hurt in a fire that tore through a busy tavern during a NYE celebration in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people.

Government Confirmation on Australian Casualty

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian citizen was among the injured 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 nation of Switzerland, the people involved,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He added, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is obtaining hospital treatment and the relatives are getting help, 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 nation's foreign affairs department stated this morning it was offering diplomatic support to the affected individual and their relatives.

A department representative said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”

The representative further stated, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with Swiss officials to establish if any additional Australians were affected. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Reaching out to or attending local hospitals.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Assistance communicating with family members.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Swiss police said the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called the Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the alpine resort.

Recordings of the tragedy reveals fierce orange flames from inside the ground-floor 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 fire have yet to be identified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.

Investigation into the Fire's Origin

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

Information for Worried Relatives

Australian nationals worried about family members who may have been caught up in the fire were told to phone the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on 1300-555-135.