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One Australian is included in the 115 individuals wounded in a blaze that ripped through a packed nightclub during a end-of-year festivities in the Swiss ski resort of Crans Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Government Confirmation on Australian Casualty

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, stated early Friday that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was getting both hospital treatment and embassy aid.

“This is undoubtedly a horrific, horrific tragedy and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the nation of Switzerland, the victims and families,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He further stated, “I am able to verify an Australian was hurt and is receiving medical care and the relatives are getting help, Australian consular support. Further details cannot be shared for reasons of personal privacy. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Department Assistance and Continued Efforts

The nation's foreign affairs department verified early Friday it was providing consular assistance to the affected individual and their relatives.

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 local authorities to establish if any additional Australians were affected. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Nature of Consular Assistance

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Communicating with or visiting local hospitals.
• Coordinating with Swiss authorities.
• Supplying details of healthcare professionals.
• Help in contacting relatives.

Circumstances Surrounding the Blaze

Swiss police said the blaze began around 1:30 a.m., local time, in a tavern favored by holidaymakers called the Constellation, which is found in the downtown area of the resort in Valais.

Video of the incident reveals fierce orange flames from inside the ground-floor bar and lounge. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building.

Some people who died in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the extent of their injuries.

Cause and the Blaze's Cause

Investigators stated the fire was not deliberately set for the blaze, which is thought to be the outcome of a mishap.

Advice for Worried Relatives

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