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One Australian is included in the 115 people injured in a blaze that ripped through a packed nightclub during a end-of-year festivities in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, killing 40 people.

Government Confirmation on Australian Casualty

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian had been injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the Swiss people, the people involved,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He continued, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is getting medical attention and the relatives are getting help, assistance from the Australian embassy. I can’t go into any further details for confidentiality obligations. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries

The nation's foreign affairs department stated this morning it was providing consular assistance to the hurt national and their family.

A Dfat spokesperson said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the family members of an Australian citizen that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are prevented from commenting further.”

The representative further stated, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with authorities on the ground to determine whether any additional Australians were affected. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Nature of Diplomatic Support

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Communicating with or visiting local hospitals.
• Working with officials on site.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Assistance communicating with family members.

Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze

Authorities in Switzerland stated the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called Le Constellation bar, which is located in the centre of the resort in Valais.

Footage from the event reveals fierce orange flames from inside the street-level bar and lounge. Cries and blaring music are audible, 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 severity of their burns.

Cause and the Fire's Origin

Swiss police said the fire was not deliberately set for the fire, which is believed to be the consequence of an unintentional act.

Information for Worried Relatives

Citizens anxious regarding family members who may have been caught up in the fire were told to phone the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on 1300-555-135.