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An Australian national is counted among the 115 persons hurt in a inferno that engulfed a busy tavern during a end-of-year festivities in the mountain resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people.

Government Confirmation on National Casualty

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

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

He continued, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is getting medical attention and the family is being assisted, assistance from the Australian embassy. I am unable to provide more specifics for privacy reasons. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Diplomatic Assistance and Continued Efforts

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed on Friday morning it was providing consular assistance to the hurt national and their family.

A foreign affairs official said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the family of an Australian that has been injured and is receiving medical care following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are prevented from commenting further.”

The representative further stated, “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:

• Reaching out to or attending hospitals in the area.
• Working with officials on site.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze

Local police reported the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called the Constellation, which is situated in the heart of the Valais resort.

Footage from the event reveals fierce orange flames from inside the street-level bar and lounge. Cries and blaring music are audible, 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

Swiss police said the fire was not deliberately set for the blaze, which is thought to be the consequence of an unintentional act.

Advice for Concerned Australians

Australian nationals worried about loved ones potentially affected in the fire were advised to call the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on the number 1300 555 135.