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One Australian is included in the 115 persons hurt in a inferno that engulfed a busy tavern during a end-of-year festivities in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Government Confirmation on Australian Injured Person

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian national was hurt and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

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

He added, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is receiving medical care and the family is being assisted, support from Australian diplomats. I can’t go into any further details for privacy reasons. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries

The Australian DFAT verified early Friday it was offering diplomatic support to the affected individual and their relatives.

A foreign affairs official said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the relatives of an Australian national that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Due to our confidentiality duties we are prevented from commenting further.”

The representative further stated, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with local authorities to establish if any additional Australians were affected. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Scope of Consular Assistance

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Reaching out to or attending medical facilities.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Details of the Tragic Fire

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

Footage from the event shows orange flames billowing from inside the first-floor establishment. Cries and blaring music are audible, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.

Some people who died in the blaze have not been able to be identified yet due to the severity of their burns.

Cause and the Fire's Origin

Authorities confirmed it was not a case of arson for the inferno, which is considered to be the result of an accident.

Advice for Concerned Australians

Citizens anxious regarding relatives who might have been involved in the fire were told to phone the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on 1300 555 135.