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

Ministerial Confirmation on National Injured Person

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

“This is undoubtedly a horrific, horrific tragedy and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the Swiss people, the individuals affected,” the minister said during 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, assistance from the Australian embassy. I can’t go into any further details for privacy reasons. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Diplomatic Response and Continued Efforts

The Australian DFAT stated this morning it was offering diplomatic support to the affected individual and their relatives.

A department representative said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the family members of an Australian citizen that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Due to our confidentiality duties we are prevented from commenting further.”

The spokesperson added, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with authorities on the ground to determine whether any other Australians were impacted. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Nature of Diplomatic Support

Such support may involve:

• Communicating with or visiting local hospitals.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Details of the Blaze

Authorities in Switzerland stated the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation bar, which is situated in the heart of the alpine resort.

Video of the incident shows orange flames billowing from inside the street-level bar and lounge. Cries and blaring music are audible, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.

A number of those who perished in the fire have yet to be identified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.

Cause and the Blaze's Cause

Authorities confirmed arson was not responsible for the fire, which is believed to be the consequence of an unintentional act.

Information for Concerned Australians

Australians concerned about loved ones potentially affected in the fire were told to phone Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on 1300 555 135.