'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Relatives of Missing Young People Desperately Seek News After Ski Resort Inferno
The loved ones of young people missing after a deadly blaze at a bar in a Swiss ski resort are facing an agonising period of uncertainty for confirmed information and requesting information about their loved ones via social media.
The blaze engulfed the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the early hours of the first day of the year. Circulated video depict the ceiling being engulfed in flames as beverages with sparklers are raised in celebration.
Emergency services have stated that it could take days if not weeks to formally name the those who perished of the fire, which killed 40 people and wounded another over a hundred. A spokesperson stated on Friday that 113 of the injured have been identified, with the process still underway to name the remaining few.
In the interim, relatives have been posting on the internet to appeal for clues about their loved ones who were present at the venue that evening.
Appeals for the Missing
The fate of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, 16, are not yet determined, according to an heartfelt request from his mother.
The who lives of Lutry near the city, explained to a publication 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 could not find him.
"I'm living a nightmare, an ordeal. The options are finding my son in the morgue, or I find him in intensive care. Words cannot describe it," 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 endured an absolute nightmare."
The Italian government has indicated that six of its young people have not been located.
Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage sportsman, originally from Genoa but now residing in the UAE.
The national sporting body has released a tribute that he is deceased, without directly referencing the fire, paying tribute to a "young athlete who carried with him dedication and true sportsmanship."
His father, is quoted as saying that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around midnight. An official spokesperson has indicated that a formal confirmation of his death is awaited.
Other Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is also among the missing. His parent said that he had been on vacation but had gone out with friends and found himself at the venue.
"A companion told me they escaped after the fire started 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 distinctive gold chain.
One of his educators stated, "I remember his good nature and smile, coupled with great maturity. Every time offer to get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds both Greek and Swiss nationality but lives full-time in the country, was also at the bar on that night, according to reports.
Her brother has posted an appeal on social media, saying the relatives has had "no news" regarding the teenager or the three friends she was with, who are also reported missing.
Officials from her country of origin say they are continuing to monitor the case.