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An Australian is among the 115 individuals wounded in a fire that tore through a busy tavern during a end-of-year festivities in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, killing 40 people.

Ministerial Statement on Australian Casualty

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

“It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the Swiss people, the individuals affected,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He continued, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is obtaining hospital treatment and the family is receiving support, support from Australian diplomats. I can’t go into any further details for reasons of personal privacy. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Diplomatic Response and Continued Efforts

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated this morning it was offering diplomatic support to the affected individual and their relatives.

A Dfat spokesperson 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 not in a position to give more details.”

The representative further stated, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with local authorities to ascertain if any other Australians were impacted. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Nature of Diplomatic Support

Such support may involve:

• Communicating with or visiting hospitals in the area.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Details of the Tragic Fire

Authorities in Switzerland stated the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called Le Constellation bar, which is located in the centre of the Valais resort.

Footage from the event shows orange flames billowing from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Screams and loud music can be heard, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building.

Certain victims in the blaze have not been able to be identified yet due to the extent of their injuries.

Investigation into the Blaze's Cause

Swiss police said it was not a case of arson for the blaze, which is thought to be the consequence of an unintentional act.

Information for Worried Relatives

Citizens anxious regarding relatives who might have been involved in the fire were instructed to contact Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on the number 1300 555 135.