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An Australian is among the 115 people injured in a fire that tore through a packed nightclub during a NYE celebration in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people.

Ministerial Statement on National Casualty

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian national was hurt and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.

“It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the nation of Switzerland, the people involved,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He continued, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is obtaining hospital treatment and the family is being assisted, Australian consular support. Further details cannot be shared for confidentiality obligations. The name of the individual is not being released at this point.”

Department Response and Continued Efforts

The nation's foreign affairs department stated this morning it was providing consular assistance to the affected individual and their relatives.

A Dfat spokesperson 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 hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Owing to our privacy obligations we are not in a position to give more details.”

The representative further stated, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with Swiss officials to ascertain if any other Australians were impacted. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Nature of Diplomatic Support

Such support may involve:

• Reaching out to or attending medical facilities.
• Working with officials on site.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Details of the Tragic Fire

Authorities in Switzerland stated the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called Le Constellation bar, which is situated in the heart of the alpine resort.

Footage from the event 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.

Some people who died in the fire have yet to be identified yet due to the extent of their injuries.

Cause and the Blaze's Cause

Authorities confirmed arson was not responsible for the fire, which is believed to be the result of an accident.

Information for Concerned Australians

Citizens anxious regarding family members who may have been caught up in the fire were advised to call the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on 1300 555 135.