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An Australian national is counted among the 115 individuals wounded in a inferno that engulfed a busy tavern during a end-of-year festivities in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Government Confirmation on National Injured Person

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian national was hurt and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the people of Switzerland, the people involved,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He further stated, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is obtaining hospital treatment and the relatives are getting help, Australian consular support. I am unable to provide more specifics for confidentiality obligations. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Continued Efforts

The Australian DFAT confirmed on Friday morning it was giving consular help to the injured person and their family.

A Dfat spokesperson said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the relatives of an Australian national that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are not in a position to give more details.”

The representative further stated, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with local authorities to determine whether any additional Australians were affected. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Scope of Consular Assistance

Consular assistance can include:

• Communicating with or visiting local hospitals.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Details of the Tragic Fire

Swiss police said the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation bar, which is situated in the heart of the alpine resort.

Footage from the event depicts orange fire raging from inside the first-floor establishment. Screams and loud music can be heard, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building.

A number of those who perished in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the severity of their burns.

Cause and the Fire's Origin

Investigators stated the fire was not deliberately set for the blaze, which is thought to be the outcome of a mishap.

Advice for Concerned Australians

Australian nationals worried about relatives who might have been involved in the fire were told to phone the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on the number 1300 555 135.