'Enduring a Horrific Ordeal': Relatives of Missing Young People Desperately Seek News After Alpine Fire
The loved ones of teenagers lost after a deadly inferno at a venue in a Switzerland's ski resort are facing an agonising period of uncertainty for official news and pleading for information about their family members via social media.
The inferno engulfed the a popular bar in the alpine resort, located in the mountains of the Valais region, in the early hours of New Year's Day. Verified images depict the roof structure igniting as bottles with sparklers are raised in celebration.
Authorities have indicated that it could take days if not weeks to formally name the victims of the tragedy, which claimed the lives of numerous partygoers and injured another over a hundred. Authorities said on the latest update that the majority of the those hurt have been identified, with the process ongoing to identify the remaining few.
In the meantime, loved ones have been taking to social media to request information about their friends who were present at the venue that night.
Appeals for the Unaccounted For
The whereabouts of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, 16, are still unconfirmed, according to an heartfelt request from his family.
The resident of Lutry near the city, explained to a publication that she had returned to Lausanne to see if he was in the hospital, while his other parent did the same in the capital, but did not locate him.
"I'm living a nightmare, a horror. Either I find my son in the morgue, or I find him in a serious state. Words cannot describe it," she told the paper.
She continued that some of his friends had been discovered with injuries covering nearly half their bodies. "There are no words; they experienced an absolute nightmare."
The Italy's government has indicated that six of its citizens remain missing.
Among them is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage sportsman, originally from Genoa but now living in Dubai.
The national sporting body has stated that he is no longer with us, without mentioning the fire, paying tribute to a "talented young man who embodied passion and true sportsmanship."
His father, told media 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 awaited.
Additional Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is also unaccounted for. His parent explained that he had been on holiday but had ventured out with friends and found himself at the bar.
"A close friend said they ran away after the fire broke out and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a specific moment he they were separated," she explained, adding he had been wearing a distinctive piece of jewelry.
One of his teachers said, "I've always been struck by his kindness and positive demeanor, coupled with great maturity. Every time offer to get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Greek and Swiss citizenship but lives permanently in Switzerland, was also present on New Year's Eve, according to reports.
Her brother has posted an appeal online, saying the relatives has had "no news" regarding the teenager or the three friends she was with, who are also reported missing.
Consular authorities from her other nation say they are closely watching the developments.