'Living a Nightmare': Loved Ones of Missing Teenagers Desperately Seek Answers After Ski Resort Inferno
The families of teens missing after a deadly fire at a venue in a Swiss winter destination are facing an agonising wait for confirmed information and pleading for clues about their family members via social media.
The fire engulfed the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the mountains of the Valais region, in the early hours of the first day of the year. Verified images depict the ceiling catching alight as bottles with fireworks are held aloft.
Officials have stated that it could take days if not weeks to identify the those who perished of the tragedy, which killed four dozen individuals and hurt another scores more. Authorities noted on the latest update that the majority of the those hurt have been accounted for, with efforts ongoing to identify the other six.
In the interim, relatives have been taking to online platforms to plead for information about their missing relatives who were at the bar that fateful night.
Appeals for the Unaccounted For
The whereabouts of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are not yet determined, according to an heartfelt request from his mother.
The resident of Lutry near the city, informed a local newspaper that she had returned to Lausanne to check whether he was in the hospital, while his other parent did the same in the capital, but did not locate him.
"It feels like a terrible dream, a nightmare. The options are finding my son in the morgue, or I find him in a serious state. It's terrible," she said.
She continued that some of his friends had been found with injuries covering a significant portion of their bodies. "There are no words; they experienced an absolute nightmare."
The Italy's government has confirmed that a number of of its young people have not been located.
Among them is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage sportsman, originally from Genoa but now residing in the UAE.
The national sporting body has released a tribute that he is no longer with us, without directly referencing the tragedy, paying tribute to a "talented young man who represented dedication and authentic values."
His parent, told media that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around the new year. An official spokesperson has indicated that a official announcement of his death is awaited.
Additional Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is likewise among the missing. His mother said that he had been on holiday but had gone out with friends and ended up at the venue.
"A companion told me they escaped after the fire erupted and that he had his phone with him, but then at a certain point he lost sight of him," she said, adding he had been wearing a identifiable piece of jewelry.
One of his educators commented, "He was known for his kindness and smile, alongside great responsibility. He would frequently ask if help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Greek and Swiss nationality but lives permanently in the country, was also at the bar on that night, according to reports.
Her brother has shared an appeal on social media, saying the family has had "no information" regarding the 15-year-old or the three friends she was with, who are also reported missing.
Officials from her other nation say they are continuing to monitor the developments.