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One Australian is included in the 115 people injured in a inferno that engulfed a busy tavern during a end-of-year festivities in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, killing 40 people.

Ministerial Confirmation on National Injured Person

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian had been injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

“It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the Swiss people, the victims and families,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He added, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is receiving medical care and the family is being assisted, Australian consular support. I can’t go into any further details for reasons of personal privacy. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.”

Department Assistance and Continued Efforts

The Australian DFAT stated this morning it was giving consular help to the affected individual and their relatives.

A foreign affairs official said: “Consular aid is being given by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the family of an Australian that has been hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are not in a position to give more details.”

The spokesperson added, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with authorities on the ground to establish if any further Australian nationals were involved. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Such support may involve:

• Communicating with or visiting medical facilities.
• Working with officials on site.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Details of the Blaze

Swiss police said the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a bar popular with tourists called the Constellation, which is situated in the heart of the Valais resort.

Footage from the event shows orange flames billowing from inside the street-level bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building.

Some people who died in the fire have yet to be identified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.

Cause and the Blaze's Cause

Authorities confirmed arson was not responsible for the fire, which is believed to be the outcome of a mishap.

Advice for Concerned Australians

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