'Living a Nightmare': Families of Unaccounted For Teens Desperately Seek Answers After Ski Resort Fire
The families of young people lost after a tragic inferno at a bar in a Switzerland's winter destination are enduring an excruciating period of uncertainty for confirmed information and pleading for clues about their children publicly.
The fire ripped through the Le Constellation bar in Cans-Montana, located in the mountains of south-west Switzerland, in the early hours of January 1st. Circulated video show the roof structure igniting as beverages with fireworks are held aloft.
Emergency services have warned that it could take considerable time to formally name the those who perished of the tragedy, which killed four dozen individuals and injured another 119. Authorities noted on the latest update that 113 of the those hurt have been identified, with efforts ongoing to identify the final individuals.
In the meantime, families and friends have been posting on the internet to appeal for clues about their friends who were in attendance that evening.
Appeals for the Missing
The whereabouts of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are still unconfirmed, according to an appeal from his family.
The who lives of Lutry near the city, told a local newspaper that she had returned to the city to check whether he was in the hospital, while his other parent did the equivalent search in Bern, 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 critical condition. It's horrific," she said.
She continued that some of his companions had been discovered with burns covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's indescribable; they experienced an absolute nightmare."
The Italian government has said that six of its citizens are still unaccounted for.
Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage sportsman, originally from Genoa but now residing in Dubai.
The national sporting body has released a tribute that he is dead, without mentioning the tragedy, paying tribute to a "young athlete who carried with him passion and authentic values."
His parent, told media that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around the new year. An official spokesperson has clarified that a formal confirmation of his death is awaited.
Additional Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is likewise among the missing. His mother said that he had been on holiday but had gone out with friends and ended up at the bar.
"Someone with him told me they ran away after the fire erupted and that he had his phone with him, but then at a certain point he they were separated," she said, adding he had been wearing a distinctive piece of jewelry.
One of his educators said, "I've always been struck by his kindness and positive demeanor, coupled with great responsibility. He would frequently ask if get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Greek and Swiss nationality but lives full-time in Switzerland, was also present on New Year's Eve, according to media.
Her brother has posted 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.
Officials from her country of origin say they are actively engaged with the case.