'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Families of Unaccounted For Teenagers Desperately Seek Answers After Ski Resort Inferno
The families of teenagers unaccounted for after a devastating blaze at a bar in a Switzerland's alpine town are facing an painful period of uncertainty for confirmed information and appealing for information about their family members publicly.
The fire engulfed the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the early hours of New Year's Day. Circulated footage reveal the roof structure catching alight as beverages with fireworks are raised in celebration.
Authorities have warned that it could take considerable time to formally name the those who perished of the disaster, which killed 40 people and injured another 119. A spokesperson said on Friday that 113 of the those hurt have been accounted for, with efforts continuing to locate the remaining few.
In the meantime, relatives have been taking to online platforms to appeal for clues about their loved ones who were present at the venue that night.
Heartbreaking Pleas for the Unaccounted For
The whereabouts of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, 16, are still unconfirmed, according to an heartfelt request from his family.
The resident of Lutry near Lausanne, explained to a publication that she had returned to Lausanne to see if he was in the medical facility, while his father did the same in Bern, but could not find him.
"It feels like a terrible dream, a nightmare. The options are finding my son in the morgue, or I find him in intensive care. It's horrific," she said.
She explained that some of his friends had been located with burns covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's indescribable; they experienced a terrifying ordeal."
The Italy's foreign ministry has confirmed that a number of of its nationals remain missing.
Among them is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage promising athlete, originally from Italy but now living in the UAE.
The Italian Golf Federation has said that he is deceased, without directly referencing the fire, paying tribute to a "young athlete who embodied dedication and authentic values."
His parent, told media that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around midnight. An official spokesperson has clarified that a formal confirmation of his death is awaited.
Other Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is also among the missing. His parent said that he had been on holiday but had gone out with a group and ended up at the bar.
"A close friend said they ran away after the fire started and that he had his phone with him, but then at a specific moment he lost sight of him," she explained, adding he had been wearing a distinctive gold chain.
One of his educators stated, "I've always been struck by his kindness and positive demeanor, combined with great responsibility. Every time offer to 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 brother has published an appeal on social media, saying the family has had "no news" regarding the 15-year-old or the three friends she was with, who are also unaccounted for.
Officials from her other nation say they are continuing to monitor the case.