'Enduring a Horrific Ordeal': Loved Ones of Missing Teens Desperately Seek Information After Alpine Blaze
The relatives of teenagers missing after a tragic inferno at a venue in a Swiss alpine town are facing an agonising period of uncertainty for confirmed information and pleading for clues about their family members online.
The fire engulfed the Le Constellation bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Swiss Alps of the Valais region, in the middle of the night of January 1st. Verified footage show the ceiling being engulfed in flames as bottles with fireworks are held aloft.
Officials have indicated that it could take considerable time to identify the victims of the tragedy, which claimed the lives of 40 people and wounded another 119. A spokesperson noted on Friday that the majority of the injured have been identified, with work continuing to locate the remaining few.
In the interim, relatives have been using the internet to appeal for information about their missing relatives who were present at the venue that fateful night.
Desperate Searches for the Unaccounted For
The location of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are currently unknown, according to an heartfelt request from his mother.
The who lives of Lutry near Lausanne, told a publication that she had gone back to the city to check whether he was in the medical facility, while his father did the same in Bern, 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 critical condition. Words cannot describe it," she said.
She explained that some of his peers had been found with burns covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's unspeakable; they went through a terrifying ordeal."
The Italian foreign ministry has indicated that a number of of its citizens remain missing.
One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old junior golfer, originally from Italy but now residing in the UAE.
The national sporting body has said that he is dead, without mentioning the fire, paying tribute to a "talented young man who carried with him dedication and true sportsmanship."
His parent, told media that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around the new year. An representative has clarified that a formal confirmation of his death is not yet.
Additional Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is also among the missing. His mother told reporters that he had been on holiday but had ventured out with a group and ended up at the venue.
"Someone with him informed me they escaped after the fire started and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a specific moment he couldn't see him anymore," she recounted, adding he had been wearing a identifiable gold chain.
One of his educators stated, "He was known for his kindness and positive demeanor, combined with great responsibility. Often offer to help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Swiss and Greek citizenship but lives full-time in Switzerland, was also present on that night, according to media.
Her brother has shared an urgent request online, 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 situation.