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One Australian is included in 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.

Government Confirmation on Australian Injured Person

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, announced this morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.

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

He further stated, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is receiving medical care and the family is receiving support, support from Australian diplomats. I am unable to provide more specifics for reasons of personal privacy. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Diplomatic Response and Ongoing Inquiries

The nation's foreign affairs department stated this morning it was offering diplomatic support to the hurt national 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. Because of our privacy commitments we are not in a position to give more details.”

The official continued, “Dfat is making urgent inquiries with Swiss officials to establish if any other Australians were impacted. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Nature of Diplomatic Support

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Reaching out to or attending hospitals in the area.
• Working with officials on site.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Swiss police said the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called the Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the resort in Valais.

Video of the incident shows orange flames billowing from inside the street-level bar and lounge. Screams and loud music can be heard, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.

Certain victims in the blaze have not been able to be identified yet due to the severity of their burns.

Cause and the Blaze's Cause

Investigators stated it was not a case of arson for the inferno, which is considered to be the outcome of a mishap.

Information for Concerned Australians

Australian nationals worried about relatives who might have been involved in the fire were told to phone Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on the number 1300 555 135.