'Enduring a Horrific Ordeal': Relatives of Unaccounted For Young People Desperately Seek News After Alpine Blaze
The loved ones of teens lost after a devastating blaze at a venue in a Swiss winter destination are confronting an painful period of uncertainty for answers and pleading for information about their children via social media.
The inferno devastated the Le Constellation bar in the alpine resort, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the early hours of New Year's Day. Confirmed footage depict the ceiling igniting as beverages with fireworks are held aloft.
Emergency services have stated that it could take an extended period to formally name the victims of the disaster, which killed numerous partygoers and injured another 119. Officials said on Friday that 113 of the injured have been accounted for, with efforts continuing to name the other six.
In the interim, loved ones have been posting on the internet to appeal for clues about their friends who were at the bar that fateful night.
Appeals for the Missing
The location of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, sixteen, are currently unknown, according to an public plea from his parent.
The who lives of a town near the city, explained to a publication that she had gone back to the city to check whether he was in the hospital, while his father did the same in the capital, but was unsuccessful.
"I'm living a nightmare, a horror. Either I find my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in a serious state. It's horrific," she stated.
She explained that some of his companions had been discovered with injuries covering a significant portion of their bodies. "There are no words; they endured an absolute nightmare."
The Italy's foreign ministry has said that six of its young people have not been located.
One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old sportsman, who hailed from Genoa but now residing in the UAE.
The national sporting body has released a tribute that he is no longer with us, without directly referencing the fire, honoring a "talented young man who embodied dedication and true sportsmanship."
His father, is quoted as saying that his son was at the bar and was last heard from around the new year. An official spokesperson has indicated that a formal confirmation of his death is awaited.
Other Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is likewise among the missing. His parent told reporters that he had been on holiday but had gone out with a group and ended up at the bar.
"A companion said they fled after the fire started and that he had his phone with him, but then at a certain point he they were separated," she said, adding he had been wearing a identifiable piece of jewelry.
One of his teachers said, "I've always been struck by his good nature and positive demeanor, alongside great responsibility. Every time ask if help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Swiss and Greek nationality but lives full-time in the country, was also present on that night, according to reports.
Her sibling has published an urgent request on social media, saying the family has had "no information" regarding the 15-year-old or the group she was with, who are also unaccounted for.
Officials from her country of origin say they are continuing to monitor the developments.
