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An Australian national is counted among the 115 individuals wounded in a inferno that engulfed a packed nightclub during a NYE celebration in the Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana, claiming 40 lives.

Ministerial Confirmation on Australian Injured Person

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian had been injured and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

“This is undoubtedly a horrific, horrific tragedy and undoubtedly all Australians offer their thoughts to the nation of Switzerland, the individuals affected,” the minister said during ABC RN radio.

He continued, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is obtaining hospital treatment and the family is receiving support, Australian consular support. Further details cannot be shared for confidentiality obligations. The person's identity is not being disclosed at this point.”

Diplomatic Response and Continued Efforts

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: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the family members of an Australian citizen that has been wounded and is in care 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 authorities on the ground to ascertain if any other Australians were impacted. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Consular assistance can include:

• Reaching out to or attending hospitals in the area.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Assistance communicating with family members.

Details of the Blaze

Authorities in Switzerland stated the inferno ignited at approximately 1:30 am, local time, in a nightclub frequented by visitors called the Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the resort in Valais.

Footage from the event shows orange flames billowing from inside the first-floor establishment. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and multiple persons were witnessed lying outside the building.

A number of those who perished in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the extent of their injuries.

Cause and the Blaze's Cause

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

Information for Worried Relatives

Citizens anxious regarding loved ones potentially affected in the fire were instructed to contact Dfat’s 24/7 consular emergency support line on the number 1300 555 135.