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An Australian is among the 115 individuals wounded in a inferno that engulfed a crowded bar during a New Year’s Eve party in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, killing 40 people.

Government Statement on National Casualty

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

“It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the people of Switzerland, 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 receiving support, Australian consular support. I am unable to provide more specifics for confidentiality obligations. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Department Response and Continued Efforts

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

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

The official continued, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with authorities on the ground to determine whether any additional Australians were affected. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Scope of Diplomatic Support

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Reaching out to or attending hospitals in the area.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze

Local police reported the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation bar, which is found in the downtown area of the Valais resort.

Video of the incident reveals fierce orange flames from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Screams and loud music can be heard, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.

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

Investigation into the Blaze's Cause

Investigators stated arson was not responsible for the blaze, which is thought to be the outcome of a mishap.

Advice for Worried Relatives

Citizens anxious regarding family members who may have been caught up in the fire were instructed to contact the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on 1300 555 135.