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One Australian is included in the 115 persons hurt in a blaze that ripped through a packed nightclub during a New Year’s Eve party in the mountain resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people.

Ministerial Confirmation on Australian Injured Person

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian had been injured and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

“It is plainly a dreadful, dreadful disaster and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the Swiss people, the individuals affected,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He added, “It can be confirmed an Australian national was injured and is receiving medical care and the family is receiving support, support from Australian diplomats. I am unable to provide more specifics for confidentiality obligations. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Ongoing Inquiries

The Australian DFAT confirmed on Friday morning it was offering diplomatic support to the injured person and their family.

A foreign affairs official 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. Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”

The representative further stated, “The department is pursuing immediate inquiries with Swiss officials to ascertain if any further Australian nationals were involved. Our team is ready to give consular help.”

Nature of Diplomatic Support

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Communicating with or visiting medical facilities.
• Liaising with local authorities.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Circumstances Surrounding the Tragic Fire

Swiss police said the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called Le Constellation, which is situated in the heart of the Valais resort.

Footage from the event shows orange flames billowing from inside the first-floor establishment. 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.

Investigation into the Fire's Origin

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

Information for Concerned Australians

Australian nationals worried about family members who may have been caught up in the fire were advised to call Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on 1300 555 135.