'Living a Nightmare': Loved Ones of Unaccounted For Teens Await Information After Alpine Fire
The loved ones of teenagers missing after a tragic fire at a bar in a Switzerland's winter destination are confronting an agonising wait for confirmed information and pleading for information about their family members online.
The blaze ripped through the Le Constellation bar in the alpine resort, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the small hours of January 1st. Circulated images depict the roof structure igniting as beverages with sparklers are held aloft.
Officials have warned that it could take days if not weeks to formally name the victims of the fire, which killed 40 people and hurt another 119. Authorities stated on Friday that 113 of the injured have been accounted for, with efforts still underway to identify the other six.
In the waiting period, families and friends have been using the internet to plead for any news about their loved ones who were in attendance that fateful night.
Heartbreaking Pleas for the Missing
The location of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are still unconfirmed, according to an appeal from his mother.
The who lives of Lutry near Lausanne, told a publication that she had gone back to the city to check whether he was in the hospital, while his father did the equivalent search in the capital, but was unsuccessful.
"It feels like a terrible dream, a horror. The options are finding my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in critical condition. Words cannot describe it," she said.
She added that some of his friends had been discovered with burns covering nearly half their bodies. "There are no words; they endured hell."
The Italy's government has indicated that six of its citizens remain missing.
Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage sportsman, who hailed from Italy but now residing in the UAE.
The national sporting body has said that he is deceased, without mentioning the tragedy, honoring a "young athlete who embodied dedication and authentic values."
His father, reportedly stated that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around the new year. An representative has stated that a formal confirmation of his death is awaited.
Other Missing Individuals
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is likewise among the missing. His parent said that he had been on vacation but had gone out with a group and ended up at the bar.
"A close friend told me they ran away after the fire erupted and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a certain point he they were separated," she said, adding he had been wearing a distinctive gold chain.
One of his teachers said, "I've always been struck by his kindness and positive demeanor, alongside great maturity. Often ask if get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds both Swiss and Greek nationality but lives full-time in the country, 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 updates" regarding the teenager or the group she was with, who are also reported missing.
Consular authorities from her other nation say they are closely watching the situation.
