'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Loved Ones of Missing Young People Desperately Seek Answers After Alpine Blaze
The loved ones of young people unaccounted for after a tragic fire at a venue in a Switzerland's ski resort are enduring an agonising period of uncertainty for official news and appealing for clues about their children via social media.
The blaze devastated the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Alps of the Valais region, in the small hours of January 1st. Confirmed video show the ceiling catching alight as beverages with fireworks are raised in celebration.
Authorities have stated that it could take days if not weeks to formally name the fatalities of the fire, which killed four dozen individuals and wounded another over a hundred. Authorities stated on the latest update that 113 of the injured have been identified, with efforts ongoing to locate the remaining few.
In the waiting period, loved ones have been taking to social media to plead for information about their missing relatives who were at the bar that night.
Heartbreaking Pleas for the Unaccounted For
The whereabouts of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are still unconfirmed, according to an heartfelt request from his parent.
The resident of a town near the city, informed a publication 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 could not find him.
"I'm living a nightmare, a nightmare. The options are finding my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in intensive care. Words cannot describe it," she stated.
She continued that some of his peers had been found with injuries covering nearly half their bodies. "It's indescribable; they endured a terrifying ordeal."
The Italian government has said that six of its nationals remain missing.
One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old junior golfer, who hailed from Genoa but now living in the UAE.
The Italian Golf Federation has released a tribute that he is dead, without directly referencing the fire, paying tribute to a "talented young man who carried with him dedication and authentic values."
His parent, reportedly stated that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around the new year. An representative has indicated that a official announcement of his death is awaited.
Further Missing Individuals
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is likewise unaccounted for. His parent said that he had been on vacation but had ventured out with a group and found himself at the bar.
"A companion told me they ran away after the fire erupted and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a specific moment he lost sight of him," she recounted, adding he had been wearing a distinctive piece of jewelry.
One of his teachers commented, "He was known for his kindness and smile, alongside great responsibility. Often ask if help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Greek and Swiss nationality but lives permanently in Switzerland, was also present on New Year's Eve, according to reports.
Her brother has shared an appeal on social media, saying the relatives has had "no news" regarding the 15-year-old or the group she was with, who are also unaccounted for.
Consular authorities from her country of origin say they are actively engaged with the situation.