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An Australian national is counted among the 115 individuals wounded in a blaze that ripped through a crowded bar during a end-of-year festivities in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, killing 40 people.

Government Confirmation on National Injured Person

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

“This is undoubtedly a horrific, horrific tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the Swiss people, the people involved,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He continued, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is receiving medical care and the family is receiving support, support from Australian diplomats. I can’t go into any further details for reasons of personal privacy. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Diplomatic Response and Continued Efforts

The nation's foreign affairs department stated this morning it was providing consular assistance to the affected individual and their relatives.

A Dfat spokesperson said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the relatives of an Australian national that has been hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Due to our confidentiality duties we are prevented from commenting further.”

The official continued, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with local authorities to establish if any other Australians were impacted. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Scope of Consular Assistance

Such support may involve:

• Contacting or going to medical facilities.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Swiss police said the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation, which is located in the centre of the Valais resort.

Video of the incident depicts orange fire raging from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building.

A number of those who perished in the blaze have not been able to be identified yet due to the extent of their injuries.

Cause and the Fire's Origin

Swiss police said it was not a case of arson for the blaze, which is thought to be the consequence of an unintentional act.

Advice for Concerned Australians

Australian nationals worried about loved ones potentially affected in the fire were told to phone the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on 1300-555-135.