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An Australian national is counted among the 115 persons hurt in a blaze that ripped through a packed nightclub during a end-of-year festivities in the Swiss ski resort of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Ministerial Confirmation on National Injured Person

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian had been injured and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the people of Switzerland, the people involved,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He added, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is obtaining hospital treatment and the relatives are getting help, Australian consular support. Further details cannot be shared for reasons of personal privacy. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.”

Diplomatic Response and Ongoing Inquiries

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

A department representative said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance 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 unable to provide further comment.”

The spokesperson added, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with authorities on the ground to establish if any additional Australians were affected. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Scope of Consular Assistance

Such support may involve:

• Contacting or going to local hospitals.
• Working with officials on site.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Details of the Blaze

Authorities in Switzerland stated the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the alpine resort.

Video of the incident reveals fierce orange flames from inside the first-floor establishment. 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 extent of their injuries.

Cause and the Blaze's Cause

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

Advice for Worried Relatives

Australians concerned about relatives who might have been involved in the fire were instructed to contact the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on 1300-555-135.