'Enduring a Horrific Ordeal': Families of Unaccounted For Teenagers Desperately Seek Answers After Ski Resort Blaze
The loved ones of teenagers missing after a deadly blaze at a establishment in a Swiss winter destination are confronting an agonising wait for official news and appealing for any details about their loved ones online.
The blaze devastated the a popular bar in the alpine resort, located in the mountains of south-west Switzerland, in the early hours of New Year's Day. Circulated video show the roof structure igniting as beverages with sparklers are held aloft.
Officials have stated that it could take days if not weeks to identify the fatalities of the fire, which killed four dozen individuals and injured another over a hundred. Authorities stated on the latest update that the majority of the injured have been identified, with the process continuing to identify the final individuals.
In the waiting period, loved ones have been using the internet to appeal for any news about their friends who were in attendance that fateful night.
Appeals for the Missing
The whereabouts of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, sixteen, are not yet determined, according to an public plea from his family.
The resident of a town near the city, informed a publication that she had gone back to Lausanne to see if he was in the medical facility, while his father did the same in the capital, but could not find him.
"This is a living nightmare, a nightmare. The options are finding my son in the morgue, or I find him in intensive care. It's horrific," she told the paper.
She added that some of his companions had been found with burns covering nearly half their bodies. "There are no words; they went through a terrifying ordeal."
The Italian government has indicated that six of its citizens have not been located.
Among them is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage promising athlete, originally from Genoa but now living in Dubai.
The national sporting body has said that he is dead, without directly referencing the tragedy, honoring a "talented young man who represented passion and authentic values."
His parent, reportedly stated that his son was at the bar and was last heard from around midnight. An official spokesperson has stated that a formal confirmation of his death is awaited.
Additional Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is also among the missing. His mother told reporters that he had been on holiday but had gone out with a group and found himself at the bar.
"Someone with him said they fled after the fire erupted and that he had his phone with him, but then at a specific moment he they were separated," she explained, adding he had been wearing a distinctive gold chain.
One of his teachers commented, "He was known for 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 Switzerland, was also present on New Year's Eve, according to reports.
Her brother has shared an appeal on social media, saying the family has had "no news" regarding the 15-year-old or the group she was with, who are also reported missing.
Consular authorities from her other nation say they are continuing to monitor the developments.