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An Australian is among the 115 people injured in a blaze that ripped through a crowded bar during a end-of-year festivities in the mountain resort of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Government Confirmation on Australian Injured Person

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian had been injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the people of Switzerland, the people involved,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He continued, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is obtaining hospital treatment and the relatives are getting help, 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 Assistance and Continued Efforts

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed on Friday morning it was offering diplomatic support to the affected individual and their relatives.

A foreign affairs official said: “Consular aid is being given by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to the family of an Australian that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are unable to provide further comment.”

The official continued, “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

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Reaching out to or attending hospitals in the area.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze

Local police reported the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called the Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the alpine resort.

Recordings of the tragedy depicts orange fire raging from inside the first-floor establishment. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building.

Some people who died in the blaze have not been able to be identified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.

Cause and the Blaze's Cause

Investigators stated it was not a case of arson for the blaze, which is thought to be the result of an accident.

Information for Concerned Australians

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