'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Families of Unaccounted For Teens Desperately Seek News After Ski Resort Blaze
The relatives of teens lost after a deadly inferno at a venue in a Swiss ski resort are enduring an agonising period of uncertainty for answers and appealing for clues about their children via social media.
The blaze engulfed the Le Constellation bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Swiss Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the small hours of the first day of the year. Confirmed video depict the roof structure catching alight as beverages with sparklers are held aloft.
Authorities have stated that it could take considerable time to formally name the those who perished of the tragedy, which resulted in the death of numerous partygoers and wounded another 119. Officials stated on the latest update that 113 of the those hurt have been accounted for, with efforts ongoing to name the remaining few.
In the interim, relatives have been taking to social media to plead for any news about their loved ones who were in attendance that fateful night.
Desperate Searches for the Unaccounted For
The fate of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, sixteen, are currently unknown, according to an public plea from his family.
The resident of Lutry near the city, informed a local newspaper that she had returned to Lausanne to see if he was in the hospital, while his other parent did the equivalent search in the capital, but could not find him.
"It feels like a terrible dream, a horror. Either I find my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in intensive care. It's terrible," she told the paper.
She continued that some of his friends had been discovered with burns covering a significant portion of their bodies. "There are no words; they experienced an absolute nightmare."
The Italian foreign ministry has confirmed that six of its nationals are still unaccounted for.
Among them is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old junior golfer, originally from Genoa but now living in the UAE.
The Italian Golf Federation has said that he is no longer with us, without directly referencing the fire, paying tribute to a "young athlete who represented passion and authentic values."
His parent, is quoted as saying that his son was at the bar and was last heard from around the new year. An official spokesperson has clarified that a formal confirmation of his death is still pending.
Additional Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is likewise among the missing. His parent told reporters that he had been on holiday but had ventured out with a group and ended up at the bar.
"A close friend told me they fled after the fire started and that he had his mobile 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, "He was known for his good nature and positive demeanor, alongside great responsibility. Every time offer to get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Swiss and Greek nationality but lives permanently in Switzerland, was also present on that night, according to reports.
Her brother has posted an urgent request online, saying the relatives has had "no information" 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.