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An Australian is among the 115 people injured in a blaze that ripped through a packed nightclub during a NYE celebration in the mountain resort of Crans-Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Ministerial Statement on Australian Injured Person

Australia’s climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian national was hurt and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the people of Switzerland, the individuals affected,” 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, assistance from the Australian embassy. I am unable to provide more specifics for privacy reasons. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Department Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed on Friday morning it was giving consular help 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 of an Australian 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, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with Swiss officials to ascertain if any additional Australians were affected. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Scope of Consular Assistance

Such support may involve:

• Reaching out to or attending hospitals in the area.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Details of the Tragic Fire

Local police reported the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called Le Constellation, which is located in the centre of the Valais resort.

Video of the incident reveals fierce orange flames from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Screams and loud music can be heard, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building.

Some people who died in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.

Cause and the Blaze's Cause

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

Advice for Worried Relatives

Citizens anxious regarding relatives who might have been involved in the fire were told to phone the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on the number 1300 555 135.