'Enduring a Horrific Ordeal': Loved Ones of Missing Young People Await News After Ski Resort Inferno
The families of teens unaccounted for after a devastating inferno at a establishment in a Swiss winter destination are facing an agonising period of uncertainty for answers and appealing for clues about their children online.
The inferno ripped through the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Swiss Alps of the Valais region, in the small hours of January 1st. Confirmed images show the ceiling catching alight as beverages with fireworks are raised in celebration.
Officials have warned that it could take an extended period to formally name the fatalities of the tragedy, which claimed the lives of 40 people and injured another 119. Authorities said on Friday that the majority of the those hurt have been accounted for, with the process continuing to identify the remaining few.
In the waiting period, relatives have been taking to online platforms to appeal for information about their missing relatives who were in attendance that night.
Desperate Searches for the Missing
The fate of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, 16, are currently unknown, according to an public plea from his mother.
The who lives of a town near the city, explained to a publication that she had gone back to Lausanne to check whether he was in the medical facility, while his father did the same in Bern, but did not locate him.
"It feels like a terrible dream, a nightmare. Either I find my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in critical condition. It's horrific," she said.
She explained that some of his peers had been discovered with burns covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's indescribable; they endured an absolute nightmare."
The Italy's foreign ministry has said that six of its nationals have not been located.
One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage sportsman, originally from Genoa but now residing in the UAE.
The Italian Golf Federation has stated that he is dead, without directly referencing the tragedy, honoring a "talented young man who carried with him passion and authentic values."
His parent, is quoted as saying that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around the new year. An official spokesperson has clarified that a formal confirmation of his death is not yet.
Other Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is also unaccounted for. His parent told reporters that he had been on vacation but had ventured out with a group and ended up at the venue.
"A companion told me they escaped after the fire broke out and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a certain point he they were separated," she recounted, adding he had been wearing a distinctive gold chain.
One of his educators stated, "I remember his kindness and smile, coupled with great maturity. Often offer to get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds both Greek and Swiss citizenship but lives permanently in the country, was also at the bar on that night, according to media.
Her sibling has shared an appeal online, 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 country of origin say they are closely watching the situation.