'Enduring a Horrific Ordeal': Loved Ones of Missing Teens Desperately Seek Answers After Ski Resort Inferno
The relatives of young people missing after a tragic inferno at a venue in a Swiss ski resort are facing an agonising period of uncertainty for confirmed information and requesting information about their loved ones online.
The inferno devastated the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the early hours of January 1st. Circulated images show the roof structure being engulfed in flames as beverages with sparklers are raised in celebration.
Officials have indicated that it could take considerable time to formally name the victims of the fire, which killed numerous partygoers and injured another scores more. Officials stated on Friday that the majority of the those hurt have been identified, with work continuing to identify the remaining few.
In the meantime, families and friends have been using online platforms to appeal for any news about their missing relatives who were present at the venue that night.
Desperate Searches for the Unaccounted For
The fate of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are still unconfirmed, according to an heartfelt request from his mother.
The resident of Lutry near Lausanne, explained to a local newspaper that she had returned to the city to see if he was in the hospital, while his other parent did the same in the capital, but did not locate him.
"I'm living a nightmare, a horror. Either I find my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in intensive care. Words cannot describe it," she told the paper.
She explained that some of his friends had been discovered with burns covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's unspeakable; they endured hell."
The Italy's foreign ministry has said that six of its citizens remain missing.
Among them is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage sportsman, who hailed from Genoa but now residing in the UAE.
The Italian Golf Federation has released a tribute that he is dead, without directly referencing the tragedy, paying tribute to a "young athlete who carried with him dedication and authentic values."
His father, reportedly stated that his son was at the bar and was last heard from around midnight. An representative has indicated that a official announcement of his death is still pending.
Further Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is also among the missing. His parent explained that he had been on holiday but had ventured out with a group and found himself at the bar.
"A companion said they fled after the fire started and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a certain point he couldn't see him anymore," she explained, adding he had been wearing a identifiable piece of jewelry.
One of his educators commented, "I've always been struck by his kindness and smile, alongside great responsibility. Often ask if help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Greek and Swiss nationality but lives full-time in the country, was also at the bar on New Year's Eve, according to reports.
Her sibling has published an urgent request online, saying the relatives has had "no information" regarding the teenager or the group she was with, who are also reported missing.
Officials from her country of origin say they are continuing to monitor the case.