'Enduring a Horrific Ordeal': Families of Missing Teenagers Await Answers After Alpine Inferno
The families of teens lost after a tragic fire at a establishment in a Swiss winter destination are confronting an agonising period of uncertainty for confirmed information and appealing for information about their children via social media.
The inferno engulfed the Le Constellation bar in the alpine resort, located in the mountains of south-west Switzerland, in the early hours of January 1st. Verified video depict the roof structure being engulfed in flames as bottles with sparklers are raised in celebration.
Officials have warned that it could take days if not weeks to identify the those who perished of the disaster, which killed four dozen individuals and wounded another 119. A spokesperson said on the latest update that 113 of the injured have been identified, with the process ongoing to name the other six.
In the interim, loved ones have been using online platforms to request information about their missing relatives who were present at the venue that evening.
Desperate Searches for the Unaccounted For
The fate of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, 16, are currently unknown, according to an heartfelt request from his parent.
The who lives of a town near Lausanne, explained to a local newspaper that she had returned to the city to check whether he was in the medical facility, while his father did the equivalent search in Bern, but was unsuccessful.
"This is a living nightmare, a nightmare. The options are finding my son in the morgue, or I find him in a serious state. It's terrible," she stated.
She explained that some of his friends had been discovered with injuries covering a significant portion of their bodies. "There are no words; they went through a terrifying ordeal."
The Italian government has indicated that six of its young people are still unaccounted for.
One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage junior golfer, originally from Genoa but now residing in Dubai.
The national sporting body has stated that he is dead, without directly referencing the tragedy, paying tribute to a "talented young man who carried with him 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 indicated that a official announcement of his death is awaited.
Other Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is also unaccounted for. His parent explained that he had been on holiday but had ventured out with friends and ended up at the bar.
"A close friend said they fled after the fire broke out and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a certain point he lost sight of him," she said, adding he had been wearing a identifiable piece of jewelry.
One of his teachers said, "I remember his good nature and positive demeanor, alongside great responsibility. He would frequently offer to get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds both Swiss and Greek nationality but lives permanently in Switzerland, was also present on New Year's Eve, according to sources.
Her brother has posted an urgent request online, saying the family has had "no news" regarding the teenager or the group she was with, who are also reported missing.
Consular authorities from her other nation say they are closely watching the developments.