'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Families of Missing Teens Await Information After Alpine Fire
The loved ones of teens lost after a devastating fire at a establishment in a Swiss ski resort are confronting an painful wait for official news and requesting information about their family members publicly.
The blaze ripped through the a popular bar in the alpine resort, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the early hours of January 1st. Circulated video depict the roof structure catching alight as bottles with fireworks are raised in celebration.
Emergency services have warned that it could take an extended period to formally name the victims of the fire, which killed numerous partygoers and injured another 119. Officials stated on Friday that the majority of the those hurt have been accounted for, with work continuing to identify the final individuals.
In the interim, families and friends have been taking to the internet to appeal for any news about their friends who were at the bar that night.
Heartbreaking Pleas for the Missing
The fate of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are not yet determined, according to an heartfelt request from his mother.
The who lives of Lutry near Lausanne, informed a publication that she had gone back to Lausanne to see if he was in the medical facility, while his other parent did the same in the capital, but could not find him.
"This is a living nightmare, an ordeal. Either I find my son in the morgue, or I find him in a serious state. Words cannot describe it," she said.
She added that some of his companions had been found with injuries covering a significant portion of their bodies. "There are no words; they went through a terrifying ordeal."
The Italy's foreign ministry has confirmed that a number of of its nationals remain missing.
One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage sportsman, originally from Italy but now living in the UAE.
The Italian Golf Federation has stated that he is no longer with us, without directly referencing the tragedy, honoring a "talented young man who represented passion and authentic values."
His father, told media that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around the new year. An official spokesperson has clarified that a formal confirmation of his death is not yet.
Additional Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is also unaccounted for. His mother explained that he had been on vacation but had gone out with friends and found himself at the bar.
"Someone with him told me they fled after the fire broke out 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 piece of jewelry.
One of his teachers said, "I remember his kindness and positive demeanor, coupled with great responsibility. Every time offer to help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds both Swiss and Greek citizenship but lives permanently in the country, was also present on that night, according to media.
Her brother has shared an appeal online, saying the family has had "no information" regarding the teenager or the group she was with, who are also unaccounted for.
Consular authorities from her other nation say they are continuing to monitor the case.