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An Australian national is counted among the 115 individuals wounded in a inferno that engulfed a packed nightclub during a end-of-year festivities in the mountain resort of Crans-Montana, which resulted in 40 fatalities.

Ministerial Confirmation on National Injured Person

The Australian minister for climate and energy, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian citizen was among the injured and was obtaining medical care and diplomatic support.

“It’s clearly a terrible, terrible tragedy and I’m sure all Australians send their condolences to the people of Switzerland, the individuals affected,” Bowen stated on ABC RN radio.

He added, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is receiving medical care 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.”

Department Assistance and Continued Efforts

The nation's foreign affairs department stated this morning it was providing consular assistance to the injured person and their family.

A foreign affairs official said: “DFAT is currently offering consular support to the relatives of an Australian national that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Because of our privacy commitments we are not in a position to give more details.”

The official continued, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with Swiss officials to establish if any further Australian nationals were involved. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Scope of Diplomatic Support

Diplomatic aid often encompasses:

• Communicating with or visiting medical facilities.
• Working with officials on site.
• Offering information on doctors and clinics.
• Support for reaching out to next of kin.

Circumstances Surrounding 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 located in the centre of the alpine resort.

Video of the incident reveals fierce orange flames from inside the first-floor establishment. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and several people were seen collapsed outside the building.

Certain victims in the blaze have not been able to be identified yet due to the severity of their burns.

Investigation into the Fire's Origin

Investigators stated it was not a case of arson for the fire, which is believed to be the consequence of an unintentional act.

Advice for Concerned Australians

Australians concerned about relatives who might have been involved in the fire were advised to call the Australian diplomatic emergency hotline on the number 1300 555 135.