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One Australian is included in the 115 persons hurt in a fire that tore through a packed nightclub during a end-of-year festivities in the Alpine resort town of Crans-Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Government Statement on Australian Casualty

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian had been injured and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the Swiss people, the people involved,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He further stated, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is receiving medical care and the relatives are getting help, support from Australian diplomats. I can’t go into any further details for reasons of personal privacy. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Diplomatic Response and Ongoing Inquiries

The nation's foreign affairs department confirmed on Friday morning it was offering diplomatic support to the injured person and their family.

A department representative said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the relatives of an Australian national that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are prevented from commenting further.”

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 Diplomatic Support

Such support may involve:

• Communicating with or visiting hospitals in the area.
• Working with officials on site.
• Provision of lists of medical providers.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Authorities in Switzerland stated the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called the Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the alpine resort.

Footage from the event shows orange flames billowing from inside the first-floor establishment. Screams and loud music can be heard, and a number of individuals were observed fallen 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 it was not a case of arson for the fire, which is believed to be the outcome of a mishap.

Advice for Worried Relatives

Australians concerned about family members who may have been caught up in the fire were instructed to contact the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on 1300-555-135.