'Enduring a Horrific Ordeal': Families of Unaccounted For Teens Await Information After Ski Resort Fire
The loved ones of teens unaccounted for after a devastating inferno at a venue in a Swiss alpine town are enduring an excruciating wait for official news and appealing for any details about their children via social media.
The inferno ripped through the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the mountains of south-west Switzerland, in the small hours of New Year's Day. Verified images reveal the roof structure being engulfed in flames as bottles with sparklers are raised in celebration.
Emergency services have indicated that it could take considerable time to identify the those who perished of the disaster, which killed 40 people and injured another 119. Officials said on Friday that the majority of the injured have been identified, with the process still underway to locate the other six.
In the interim, loved ones have been taking to online platforms to request information about their friends who were at the bar that evening.
Desperate Searches for the Missing
The whereabouts of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, 16, are currently unknown, according to an appeal from his mother.
The resident of Lutry near the city, told a publication that she had gone back to the city to see if he was in the hospital, while his other parent did the same in the capital, but could not find him.
"It feels like a terrible dream, an ordeal. Either I find my son in the morgue, or I find him in intensive care. Words cannot describe it," she stated.
She explained that some of his companions had been discovered with burns covering a significant portion of their bodies. "There are no words; they went through hell."
The Italy's government has said that a number of of its nationals are still unaccounted for.
Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old promising athlete, who hailed 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 "young athlete who represented passion and authentic values."
His father, reportedly stated 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 awaited.
Further Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is likewise among the missing. His mother told reporters that he had been on vacation 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 specific moment he they were separated," she recounted, adding he had been wearing a distinctive gold chain.
One of his teachers stated, "I remember his good nature and smile, combined with great maturity. Often offer to help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds both Swiss and Greek nationality but lives full-time in the country, was also present on that night, according to sources.
Her brother has published an urgent request online, saying the family has had "no information" regarding the 15-year-old or the three friends she was with, who are also unaccounted for.
Consular authorities from her other nation say they are continuing to monitor the case.