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An Australian is among the 115 people injured in a blaze that ripped through a packed nightclub during a end-of-year festivities in the mountain resort of Crans-Montana, killing 40 people.

Ministerial Confirmation on National Injured Person

A senior Australian government minister, Chris Bowen, confirmed on Friday morning that an Australian had been injured and was receiving medical and consular assistance.

“This is undoubtedly a horrific, horrific tragedy and I am confident every Australian extends their sympathies to the Swiss people, the individuals affected,” Bowen told ABC RN radio.

He further stated, “I can confirm that one Australian has been injured and is receiving medical care and the family is being assisted, support from Australian diplomats. Further details cannot be shared for privacy reasons. The individual's name is being withheld at this point.”

Department Response and Continued Efforts

The Australian DFAT verified early Friday it was offering diplomatic support to the injured person and their family.

A department representative said: “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) is providing consular assistance to the relatives of an Australian national that has been wounded and is in care following the fire. Due to our confidentiality duties we are unable to provide further comment.”

The official continued, “DFAT is conducting urgent checks with authorities on the ground to ascertain if any further Australian nationals were involved. We are prepared to offer diplomatic support.”

Scope of Diplomatic Support

Such support may involve:

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

Details of the Blaze

Swiss police said the fire started at about 1.30am, local time, in a bar popular with tourists called Le Constellation bar, which is found in the downtown area of the resort in Valais.

Recordings of the tragedy depicts orange fire raging from inside the first-floor establishment. Shouts and loud tunes are discernible, and a number of individuals were observed fallen outside the building.

Certain victims in the inferno remain unidentified yet due to the seriousness of the burns.

Investigation into the Blaze's Cause

Swiss police said arson was not responsible for the inferno, which is considered to be the result of an accident.

Information for Worried Relatives

Citizens anxious regarding family members who may have been caught up in the fire were told to phone the DFAT round-the-clock consular emergency line on the number 1300 555 135.