'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Families of Unaccounted For Teenagers Await News After Ski Resort Blaze
The families of teenagers lost after a devastating inferno at a establishment in a Swiss ski resort are facing an agonising period of uncertainty for official news and appealing for any details about their loved ones publicly.
The inferno devastated the Le Constellation bar in the alpine resort, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the early hours of January 1st. Verified images show the ceiling igniting as beverages with fireworks are held aloft.
Officials have indicated that it could take days if not weeks to identify the victims of the fire, which claimed the lives of 40 people and hurt another over a hundred. Authorities stated on Friday that the majority of the injured have been accounted for, with the process still underway to locate the remaining few.
In the interim, families and friends have been taking to online platforms to plead for clues about their friends who were at the bar that fateful night.
Appeals for the Missing
The fate of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, 16, are currently unknown, according to an heartfelt request from his family.
The resident of Lutry near the city, informed a local newspaper that she had returned to Lausanne to check whether he was in the medical facility, while his father did the equivalent search in the capital, but was unsuccessful.
"This is a living nightmare, a nightmare. The options are finding my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in intensive care. It's terrible," she stated.
She continued that some of his friends had been found with injuries covering a significant portion of their bodies. "There are no words; they went through hell."
The Italy's government has confirmed that a number of of its citizens remain missing.
Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old promising athlete, who hailed from Genoa but now living in the UAE.
The Italian Golf Federation has released a tribute that he is no longer with us, without directly referencing the fire, paying tribute to a "talented young man who carried with him dedication and authentic values."
His father, told media that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around the new year. An representative has indicated that a official announcement of his death is awaited.
Further 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 venue.
"A companion 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 explained, adding he had been wearing a distinctive piece of jewelry.
One of his educators said, "He was known for his kindness and smile, combined with great responsibility. Every time ask if get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds both Greek and Swiss citizenship but lives full-time in the country, was also at the bar on that night, according to reports.
Her brother has shared an urgent request on social media, saying the family has had "no updates" regarding the teenager or the three friends she was with, who are also unaccounted for.
Officials from her country of origin say they are closely watching the situation.