'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Families of Missing Young People Desperately Seek Information After Alpine Blaze
The loved ones of young people unaccounted for after a tragic fire at a bar in a Switzerland's winter destination are confronting an agonising wait for confirmed information and requesting clues about their family members publicly.
The fire devastated the Le Constellation bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Swiss Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the small hours of January 1st. Circulated images depict the roof structure catching alight as beverages with fireworks are raised in celebration.
Authorities have indicated that it could take considerable time to formally name the victims of the fire, which resulted in the death of numerous partygoers and wounded another scores more. Officials stated on Friday that the majority of the those hurt have been identified, with efforts ongoing to identify the final individuals.
In the interim, loved ones have been taking to online platforms to plead for clues about their missing relatives who were in attendance that evening.
Desperate Searches for the Missing
The location of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, sixteen, are not yet determined, according to an heartfelt request from his mother.
The resident of Lutry near Lausanne, explained to a local newspaper that she had gone back to the city to check whether he was in the medical facility, while his other parent did the same in Bern, but did not locate him.
"I'm living a nightmare, a horror. Either I find my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in a serious state. Words cannot describe it," she told the paper.
She added that some of his companions had been discovered with injuries covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's indescribable; they endured hell."
The Italian foreign ministry has indicated that a number of of its citizens have not been located.
Among them is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old sportsman, originally from Genoa but now living in Dubai.
The national sporting body has released a tribute that he is deceased, without directly referencing the fire, paying tribute to a "talented young man who embodied dedication and true sportsmanship."
His father, is quoted as saying that his son was at the bar and was last heard from around the new year. An official spokesperson has indicated that a formal confirmation of his death is awaited.
Further Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is also unaccounted for. His mother explained that he had been on holiday but had gone out with friends and found himself at the bar.
"A close friend said they ran away after the fire erupted and that he had his phone with him, but then at a specific moment he couldn't see him anymore," she recounted, adding he had been wearing a distinctive piece of jewelry.
One of his teachers said, "I've always been struck by his good nature and smile, alongside great maturity. He would frequently offer to get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Swiss and Greek citizenship but lives full-time in Switzerland, was also at the bar on that night, according to reports.
Her brother has shared an urgent request on social media, saying the relatives has had "no updates" regarding the teenager or the group she was with, who are also reported missing.
Consular authorities from her country of origin say they are continuing to monitor the case.