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An Australian national is counted among the 115 persons hurt in a fire that tore through a packed nightclub during a NYE celebration in the Alpine resort town of Crans Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Government Confirmation on National Casualty

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

“It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the nation of Switzerland, the people involved,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He added, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is receiving medical care and the relatives are getting help, Australian consular support. I am unable to provide more specifics for privacy reasons. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Department Response and Ongoing Inquiries

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated this morning it was offering diplomatic support 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 of an Australian that has been hurt and is undergoing treatment following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are not in a position to give more details.”

The official continued, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with Swiss officials to establish if any other Australians were impacted. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Reaching out to or attending local hospitals.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Authorities in Switzerland stated the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called Le Constellation, which is situated in the heart of the alpine 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 fire have yet to be identified yet due to the extent of their injuries.

Cause and the Fire's Origin

Swiss police said the fire was not deliberately set for the fire, which is believed to be the result of an accident.

Advice 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 the number 1300 555 135.