'Enduring a Horrific Ordeal': Relatives of Missing Teenagers Desperately Seek News After Ski Resort Fire
The loved ones of teenagers lost after a tragic fire at a establishment in a Swiss winter destination are enduring an painful wait for answers and requesting any details about their family members via social media.
The inferno engulfed the a popular bar in the alpine resort, located in the Swiss Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the middle of the night of the first day of the year. Confirmed video depict the roof structure igniting as beverages with sparklers are raised in celebration.
Officials have indicated that it could take days if not weeks to formally name the victims of the tragedy, which claimed the lives of four dozen individuals and wounded another over a hundred. Officials noted on the latest update that 113 of the injured have been identified, with efforts ongoing to locate the final individuals.
In the waiting period, relatives have been taking to online platforms to request clues about their loved ones who were in attendance that night.
Appeals for the Unaccounted For
The whereabouts of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, 16, are currently unknown, according to an heartfelt request from his mother.
The resident of Lutry near Lausanne, explained to a local newspaper that she had returned to the city to see if he was in the hospital, while his other parent did the equivalent search 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. Words cannot describe it," she stated.
She continued that some of his friends had been located with burns covering nearly half their bodies. "There are no words; they went through an absolute nightmare."
The Italian foreign ministry has said that a number of of its young people are still unaccounted for.
Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old junior golfer, originally from Genoa but now residing in the UAE.
The national sporting body has stated that he is dead, without directly referencing the tragedy, paying tribute to a "talented young man who embodied dedication and true sportsmanship."
His parent, reportedly stated that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around the new year. An official spokesperson has stated that a formal confirmation of his death is still pending.
Additional Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is also among the missing. His mother explained that he had been on vacation but had gone out with a group and found himself at the bar.
"A close friend informed me they fled after the fire erupted and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a certain point he couldn't see him anymore," she explained, adding he had been wearing a distinctive piece of jewelry.
One of his educators commented, "I remember his good nature and smile, alongside great responsibility. Often ask if help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds both Swiss and Greek citizenship but lives full-time in Switzerland, was also at the bar on New Year's Eve, according to media.
Her sibling has published an urgent request on social media, saying the relatives has had "no news" regarding the 15-year-old or the group she was with, who are also reported missing.
Officials from her other nation say they are actively engaged with the case.