'Enduring a Horrific Ordeal': Loved Ones of Missing Teenagers Await News After Ski Resort Blaze
The families of young people missing after a devastating blaze at a establishment in a Swiss ski resort are enduring an painful period of uncertainty for official news and appealing for information about their loved ones via social media.
The fire ripped through the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the mountains of south-west Switzerland, in the small hours of January 1st. Circulated footage show the ceiling being engulfed in flames as bottles with fireworks are held aloft.
Emergency services have stated that it could take days if not weeks to formally name the fatalities of the tragedy, which resulted in the death of numerous partygoers and wounded another 119. Authorities noted on Friday that the majority of the injured have been identified, with the process ongoing to name the remaining few.
In the meantime, families and friends have been using the internet to plead for any news about their missing relatives who were at the bar that night.
Desperate Searches for the Missing
The location of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, sixteen, are not yet determined, according to an appeal from his family.
The resident of a town near Lausanne, told a publication that she had returned to Lausanne to see if he was in the medical facility, while his other parent did the equivalent search in the capital, but could not find him.
"I'm living a nightmare, a nightmare. Either I find my son in the morgue, or I find him in critical condition. It's terrible," she told the paper.
She added that some of his friends had been located with burns covering nearly half their bodies. "There are no words; they went through an absolute nightmare."
The Italian government has indicated that a number of of its nationals are still unaccounted for.
Among them is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old sportsman, who hailed from Genoa but now residing in Dubai.
The national sporting body has stated that he is no longer with us, without directly referencing the fire, paying tribute to a "talented young man who carried with him passion and authentic values."
His father, told media that his son was at the bar and was last heard from around midnight. An representative has stated that a formal confirmation of his death is still pending.
Additional Missing Individuals
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is likewise among the missing. His parent explained that he had been on vacation but had ventured out with friends and ended up at the venue.
"A close friend told me they ran away after the fire erupted and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a certain point he they were separated," she explained, adding he had been wearing a distinctive piece of jewelry.
One of his teachers said, "I remember his kindness and smile, coupled with great responsibility. Every time offer to help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Swiss and Greek citizenship but lives full-time in Switzerland, was also at the bar on New Year's Eve, according to reports.
Her sibling has published an urgent request online, saying the family has had "no updates" regarding the teenager or the three friends she was with, who are also reported missing.
Officials from her country of origin say they are closely watching the case.