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An Australian national is counted among the 115 people injured in a fire that tore through a busy tavern during a NYE celebration in the Swiss ski resort of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Ministerial Statement on National Injured Person

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

“This is undoubtedly a horrific, horrific tragedy and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the people of Switzerland, the people involved,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He continued, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is receiving medical care and the relatives are getting help, 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 Response and Ongoing Inquiries

The nation's foreign affairs department stated this morning it was providing consular assistance 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. Because of our privacy commitments we are prevented from commenting further.”

The official continued, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with authorities on the ground to determine whether any other Australians were impacted. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Scope of Diplomatic Support

Such support may involve:

• Reaching out to or attending medical facilities.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Authorities in Switzerland stated the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a bar popular with tourists called the Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the Valais resort.

Video of the incident shows orange flames billowing from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building.

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

Investigation into the Fire's Origin

Authorities confirmed the fire was not deliberately set for the fire, which is believed to be the consequence of an unintentional act.

Information for Concerned Australians

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