'Enduring a Horrific Ordeal': Loved Ones of Unaccounted For Teens Desperately Seek Answers After Alpine Fire
The loved ones of teens lost after a tragic fire at a establishment in a Switzerland's alpine town are facing an excruciating wait for official news and appealing for information about their family members via social media.
The inferno devastated the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the middle of the night of January 1st. Verified video depict the roof structure being engulfed in flames as beverages with sparklers are held aloft.
Emergency services have indicated that it could take considerable time to formally name the those who perished of the tragedy, which claimed the lives of numerous partygoers and wounded another 119. Officials stated on the latest update that 113 of the those hurt have been identified, with the process continuing to name the remaining few.
In the meantime, families and friends have been taking to online platforms to appeal for any news about their friends who were present at the venue that night.
Desperate Searches for the Missing
The fate of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are still unconfirmed, according to an heartfelt request from his mother.
The resident of Lutry near Lausanne, told a publication that she had returned to Lausanne to check whether he was in the medical facility, while his other parent did the same in the capital, but was unsuccessful.
"It feels like a terrible dream, a nightmare. Either I find my son in the morgue, or I find him in critical condition. It's horrific," she said.
She added that some of his peers had been found with injuries covering nearly half their bodies. "It's indescribable; they experienced hell."
The Italy's foreign ministry has said that a number of of its young people remain missing.
Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage promising athlete, who hailed from Genoa but now living in Dubai.
The national sporting body has said that he is dead, without directly referencing the fire, honoring a "young athlete who carried with him dedication and authentic values."
His parent, told media that his son was at the bar and was last heard from around midnight. An representative has stated that a official announcement of his death is awaited.
Additional Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is also among the missing. His mother explained that he had been on holiday but had gone out with a group and ended up at the bar.
"Someone with him said they escaped after the fire broke out and that he had his phone with him, but then at a certain point he they were separated," she explained, adding he had been wearing a identifiable piece of jewelry.
One of his teachers commented, "I've always been struck by his kindness and positive demeanor, combined with great responsibility. Every time ask if help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Swiss and Greek citizenship but lives permanently in the country, was also at the bar on that night, according to media.
Her brother has posted an urgent request on social media, saying the family has had "no news" regarding the teenager or the group she was with, who are also unaccounted for.
Consular authorities from her other nation say they are actively engaged with the developments.