'Living a Nightmare': Families of Missing Teenagers Await Information After Ski Resort Blaze
The families of teenagers missing after a devastating fire at a venue in a Switzerland's winter destination are enduring an painful wait for official news and requesting any details about their loved ones publicly.
The blaze devastated the Le Constellation bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Swiss Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the small hours of New Year's Day. Verified video reveal the roof structure igniting as beverages with sparklers are raised in celebration.
Officials have stated that it could take considerable time to identify the victims of the tragedy, which killed 40 people and hurt another 119. A spokesperson noted on the latest update that 113 of the those hurt have been identified, with work still underway to name the final individuals.
In the waiting period, families and friends have been using online platforms to appeal for information about their friends who were in attendance that fateful night.
Appeals for the Unaccounted For
The whereabouts of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, 16, are currently unknown, according to an heartfelt request from his family.
The resident of a town near the city, informed a publication that she had returned to Lausanne to check whether he was in the medical facility, while his other parent did the equivalent search in Bern, but was unsuccessful.
"It feels like a terrible dream, a nightmare. The options are finding my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in intensive care. It's terrible," she said.
She added that some of his companions had been discovered with injuries covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's unspeakable; they went through a terrifying ordeal."
The Italian government has indicated that a number of of its young people are still unaccounted for.
Among them is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old junior golfer, who hailed from Genoa but now living in Dubai.
The national sporting body has stated that he is dead, without directly referencing the tragedy, honoring a "talented young man who carried with him passion and authentic values."
His parent, is quoted as saying that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around the new year. An official spokesperson has indicated that a formal confirmation of his death is not yet.
Further Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is also unaccounted for. His parent told reporters that he had been on vacation but had ventured out with friends and found himself at the bar.
"Someone with him said they fled after the fire broke out and that he had his phone with him, but then at a certain point he lost sight of him," she explained, adding he had been wearing a distinctive gold chain.
One of his teachers said, "I've always been struck by his good nature and smile, combined with great responsibility. Every time ask if 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 sources.
Her brother has posted an urgent request online, saying the family has had "no news" regarding the teenager or the group she was with, who are also reported missing.
Officials from her other nation say they are continuing to monitor the case.