'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Loved Ones of Missing Young People Await News After Alpine Fire
The relatives of teenagers missing after a deadly blaze at a bar in a Swiss alpine town are facing an agonising period of uncertainty for official news and appealing for information about their family members publicly.
The fire ripped through the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Swiss Alps of the Valais region, in the middle of the night of the first day of the year. Verified video depict the roof structure catching alight as beverages with fireworks are raised in celebration.
Authorities have stated that it could take considerable time to formally name the victims of the fire, which resulted in the death of four dozen individuals and hurt another 119. Officials noted on Friday that the majority of the injured have been identified, with the process still underway to identify the final individuals.
In the meantime, loved ones have been posting on online platforms to request any news about their missing relatives who were at the bar that fateful night.
Appeals for the Missing
The fate of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, sixteen, are not yet determined, according to an appeal from his mother.
The who lives of Lutry near the city, explained to a publication that she had gone back to the city to see if he was in the medical facility, while his other parent did the same in Bern, but did not locate him.
"It feels like a terrible dream, a horror. Either I find my son in the morgue, or I find him in intensive care. It's terrible," she told the paper.
She added that some of his peers had been located with burns covering nearly half their bodies. "There are no words; they experienced hell."
The Italian government has confirmed that six of its nationals have not been located.
Among them is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage sportsman, originally from Genoa but now living in the UAE.
The Italian Golf Federation has released a tribute that he is deceased, without mentioning the fire, paying tribute to a "talented young man who represented dedication and true sportsmanship."
His father, reportedly stated that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around the new year. An official spokesperson has clarified that a official announcement of his death is awaited.
Other Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is also among the missing. His mother said that he had been on vacation but had ventured out with a group and found himself at the venue.
"Someone with him informed me they escaped after the fire started and that he had his phone with him, but then at a specific moment he couldn't see him anymore," she said, adding he had been wearing a identifiable gold chain.
One of his teachers commented, "I've always been struck by his kindness and smile, alongside great responsibility. He would frequently ask if help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds both Greek and Swiss citizenship but lives full-time in Switzerland, was also present on that night, according to reports.
Her sibling has published an appeal on social media, saying the relatives has had "no news" regarding the 15-year-old or the three friends she was with, who are also unaccounted for.
Consular authorities from her other nation say they are actively engaged with the developments.