'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Loved Ones of Unaccounted For Young People Desperately Seek Answers After Alpine Inferno
The loved ones of young people unaccounted for after a deadly fire at a establishment in a Swiss winter destination are enduring an excruciating wait for official news and requesting information about their family members online.
The inferno devastated the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the mountains of south-west Switzerland, in the early hours of New Year's Day. Verified video reveal the ceiling catching alight as bottles with fireworks are raised in celebration.
Emergency services have stated that it could take an extended period to identify the victims of the tragedy, which claimed the lives of numerous partygoers and injured another 119. Authorities noted on Friday that the majority of the injured have been identified, with efforts continuing to locate the other six.
In the meantime, families and friends have been using online platforms to request information about their friends who were in attendance that evening.
Desperate Searches for the Unaccounted For
The fate of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, 16, are not yet determined, according to an public plea from his parent.
The resident of Lutry near the city, informed a publication that she had gone back to Lausanne to see if he was in the hospital, while his other parent did the same 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. Words cannot describe it," she told the paper.
She added that some of his companions had been located with burns covering nearly half their bodies. "It's indescribable; they experienced an absolute nightmare."
The Italian government has said that a number of of its citizens remain missing.
Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old junior golfer, originally from Genoa but now residing in the UAE.
The Italian Golf Federation has stated that he is no longer with us, without mentioning the fire, paying tribute to a "young athlete who represented passion and authentic values."
His father, reportedly stated that his son was at the bar and was last heard from around the new year. An official spokesperson has indicated that a official announcement of his death is still pending.
Other Missing Individuals
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is likewise unaccounted for. His parent told reporters that he had been on holiday but had gone out with a group and ended up at the bar.
"A companion told me they escaped after the fire erupted and that he had his phone with him, but then at a specific moment he lost sight of him," she explained, adding he had been wearing a identifiable piece of jewelry.
One of his teachers stated, "I've always been struck by his good nature and positive demeanor, alongside great maturity. Often ask if get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Greek and Swiss citizenship but lives permanently in the country, was also at the bar on that night, according to sources.
Her brother has posted an appeal online, 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 continuing to monitor the situation.