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An Australian is among the 115 people injured in a fire that tore through a packed nightclub during a end-of-year festivities in the Swiss ski resort of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Ministerial Statement on Australian Casualty

Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the people of Switzerland, the individuals affected,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He added, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is receiving medical care and the family is being assisted, assistance from the Australian embassy. I am unable to provide more specifics for confidentiality obligations. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Department Response and Continued Efforts

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

A department representative said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the family of an Australian that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are unable to provide further comment.”

The representative further stated, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with Swiss officials to determine whether any other Australians were impacted. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Such support may involve:

• Communicating with or visiting medical facilities.
• Working with officials on site.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Details of the Blaze

Authorities in Switzerland stated the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called Le Constellation bar, which is located in the centre of the Valais resort.

Video of the incident shows orange flames billowing from inside the first-floor establishment. 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 inferno remain unidentified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.

Investigation into the Fire's Origin

Investigators stated it was not a case of arson for the inferno, which is considered to be the consequence of an unintentional act.

Advice for Concerned Australians

Australians concerned about relatives who might have been involved in the fire were instructed to contact Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on 1300 555 135.