'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Relatives of Missing Teenagers Await Answers After Ski Resort Fire
The families of teenagers unaccounted for after a devastating fire at a venue in a Swiss winter destination are confronting an painful period of uncertainty for answers and pleading for information about their family members online.
The fire engulfed the a popular bar in the alpine resort, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the middle of the night of New Year's Day. Verified video depict the roof structure being engulfed in flames as bottles with sparklers are raised in celebration.
Officials have stated that it could take considerable time to identify the victims of the disaster, which killed numerous partygoers and wounded another 119. A spokesperson said on the latest update that 113 of the injured have been identified, with efforts still underway to name the remaining few.
In the meantime, loved ones have been using the internet to plead for information about their friends who were present at the venue that night.
Appeals for the Missing
The location of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, 16, are not yet determined, according to an appeal from his family.
The who lives of a town near Lausanne, told a local newspaper that she had returned to the city to check whether he was in the hospital, while his father did the equivalent search in the capital, but could not find him.
"This is a living nightmare, a horror. The options are finding my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in critical condition. Words cannot describe it," she said.
She added that some of his friends had been located with injuries covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's indescribable; they endured a terrifying ordeal."
The Italian foreign ministry has confirmed that a number of of its young people have not been located.
One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage promising athlete, originally from Italy but now residing in the UAE.
The Italian Golf Federation 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 parent, told media that his son was at the bar and was last heard from around the new year. An representative has stated that a official announcement of his death is not yet.
Further Missing Individuals
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is likewise unaccounted for. His parent explained that he had been on vacation but had ventured out with a group and found himself at the venue.
"Someone with him said 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 recounted, adding he had been wearing a distinctive gold chain.
One of his educators said, "He was known for his kindness and positive demeanor, alongside great responsibility. Often ask if get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Greek and Swiss nationality but lives full-time in the country, was also present on New Year's Eve, according to media.
Her brother has published an urgent request on social media, saying the family has had "no news" regarding the teenager or the group she was with, who are also reported missing.
Officials from her country of origin say they are actively engaged with the case.