'Enduring a Horrific Ordeal': Relatives of Unaccounted For Teens Desperately Seek Information After Ski Resort Fire
The relatives of teenagers lost after a deadly fire at a bar in a Switzerland's winter destination are confronting an agonising wait for answers and pleading for information about their children online.
The fire engulfed the Le Constellation bar in Cans-Montana, located in the mountains of the Valais region, in the small hours of New Year's Day. Circulated footage show the ceiling igniting as bottles with sparklers are raised in celebration.
Emergency services have indicated that it could take an extended period to identify the fatalities of the fire, which claimed the lives of 40 people and injured another over a hundred. Officials said on Friday that 113 of the injured have been identified, with efforts ongoing to identify the remaining few.
In the interim, loved ones have been posting on the internet to request information about their friends who were in attendance that night.
Appeals for the Unaccounted For
The fate of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are currently unknown, according to an public plea from his parent.
The resident of Lutry near the city, told a publication that she had gone back to the city to see if he was in the medical facility, while his father did the same in Bern, but was unsuccessful.
"I'm living a nightmare, a horror. Either I find my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in critical condition. It's horrific," she told the paper.
She added that some of his companions had been located with injuries covering nearly half their bodies. "It's indescribable; they went through a terrifying ordeal."
The Italian government has confirmed that six of its nationals have not been located.
Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old junior golfer, originally from Italy but now living in the UAE.
The national sporting body has released a tribute that he is no longer with us, without mentioning the tragedy, paying tribute to a "talented young man who represented dedication and authentic values."
His parent, told media that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around the new year. An representative has clarified that a formal confirmation of his death is not yet.
Additional Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is also unaccounted for. His mother explained that he had been on holiday but had ventured out with friends and found himself at the venue.
"Someone with him said they ran away after the fire erupted and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a specific moment he couldn't see him anymore," she said, adding he had been wearing a distinctive gold chain.
One of his teachers commented, "He was known for his kindness and smile, alongside great maturity. He would frequently ask if get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds both Swiss and Greek nationality but lives full-time in the country, was also at the bar on that night, according to reports.
Her brother has shared 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 reported missing.
Officials from her other nation say they are continuing to monitor the developments.