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An Australian national is counted among the 115 individuals wounded in a fire that tore through a crowded bar during a end-of-year festivities in the Swiss ski resort of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Ministerial Confirmation on Australian 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 am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the Swiss people, the victims and families,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He further stated, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is getting medical attention and the family is receiving support, 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.”

Department Response and Continued Efforts

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated this morning it was providing consular assistance to the injured person and their family.

A foreign affairs official said: “Consular aid is being given by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the family members of an Australian citizen that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Due to our confidentiality duties we are prevented from commenting further.”

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

Nature of Consular Assistance

Consular assistance can include:

• Communicating with or visiting hospitals in the area.
• Working with officials on site.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Assistance communicating with family members.

Details of the Tragic Fire

Swiss police said the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called Le Constellation bar, which is located in the centre of the alpine resort.

Footage from the event depicts orange fire raging from inside the street-level bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building.

A number of those who perished in the fire have yet to be identified yet due to the extent of their injuries.

Cause and the Blaze's Cause

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

Advice for Concerned Australians

Citizens anxious regarding 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.