'Enduring a Horrific Ordeal': Relatives of Missing Teens Desperately Seek Information After Ski Resort Inferno
The families of teenagers missing after a deadly blaze at a bar in a Switzerland's winter destination are facing an agonising period of uncertainty for answers and pleading for information about their family members publicly.
The inferno ripped through the Le Constellation bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the middle of the night of New Year's Day. Circulated video reveal the ceiling igniting as beverages with sparklers are raised in celebration.
Authorities have warned that it could take considerable time to identify the those who perished of the disaster, which killed numerous partygoers and injured another scores more. Authorities said on Friday that the majority of the injured have been identified, with work ongoing to name the final individuals.
In the waiting period, relatives have been taking to social media to plead for information about their loved ones who were in attendance that evening.
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, told a publication that she had returned to the city to check whether he was in the medical facility, while his father did the same in the capital, but was unsuccessful.
"This is a living nightmare, an ordeal. The options are finding my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in critical condition. It's terrible," she said.
She continued that some of his friends had been discovered with injuries covering a significant portion of their bodies. "There are no words; they went through an absolute nightmare."
The Italy's government has confirmed that six of its nationals remain missing.
One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old promising athlete, originally from Italy but now living in the UAE.
The national sporting body has released a tribute that he is no longer with us, without mentioning the fire, paying tribute to a "young athlete who carried with him dedication and true sportsmanship."
His parent, is quoted as saying that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around the new year. An representative has clarified that a formal confirmation of his death is awaited.
Other Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is likewise among the missing. His mother said that he had been on holiday but had ventured out with friends and found himself at the venue.
"A companion said they ran away after the fire started and that he had his phone with him, but then at a certain point he they were separated," she recounted, adding he had been wearing a identifiable gold chain.
One of his educators said, "I've always been struck by his kindness and smile, coupled with great maturity. Often offer to help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds both Swiss and Greek nationality but lives full-time in Switzerland, was also present on that night, according to reports.
Her sibling has published an urgent request on social media, saying the family has had "no information" regarding the teenager or the three friends she was with, who are also unaccounted for.
Officials from her country of origin say they are actively engaged with the situation.