'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Loved Ones of Missing Young People Desperately Seek Answers After Ski Resort Fire
The loved ones of teens lost after a devastating inferno at a bar in a Swiss ski resort are enduring an agonising period of uncertainty for confirmed information and requesting clues about their children via social media.
The inferno devastated the Le Constellation bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Swiss Alps of the Valais region, in the middle of the night of January 1st. Circulated footage depict the roof structure catching alight as bottles with fireworks are held aloft.
Officials have stated that it could take considerable time to formally name the victims of the fire, which resulted in the death of 40 people and injured another 119. A spokesperson noted on the latest update that the majority of the those hurt have been identified, with work ongoing to locate the other six.
In the waiting period, families and friends have been posting on the internet to appeal for information about their loved ones who were at the bar that night.
Appeals for the Missing
The whereabouts of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, 16, are currently unknown, according to an appeal from his mother.
The who lives of Lutry near the city, explained to a local newspaper that she had gone back to the city to check whether he was in the medical facility, while his other parent did the equivalent search in the capital, but did not locate him.
"It feels like a terrible dream, a horror. The options are finding my son in the morgue, or I find him in critical condition. It's horrific," she told the paper.
She added that some of his friends had been found with injuries covering a significant portion of their bodies. "There are no words; they experienced a terrifying ordeal."
The Italian government has confirmed that six of its young people have not been located.
One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old junior golfer, who hailed from Italy but now residing in the UAE.
The national sporting body has stated that he is dead, without mentioning the fire, paying tribute to a "talented young man who carried with him passion and authentic values."
His parent, told media 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.
Further Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is also among the missing. His mother told reporters that he had been on holiday but had gone out with friends and found himself at the venue.
"Someone with him said they escaped after the fire erupted and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a specific moment he lost sight of him," she recounted, adding he had been wearing a identifiable gold chain.
One of his educators said, "I've always been struck by his kindness and positive demeanor, combined with great maturity. Often offer to get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds both Swiss and Greek nationality but lives permanently in Switzerland, was also present on New Year's Eve, according to reports.
Her brother has posted an urgent request on social media, saying the family has had "no information" regarding the 15-year-old or the three friends she was with, who are also reported missing.
Consular authorities from her country of origin say they are continuing to monitor the case.