'Enduring a Horrific Ordeal': Relatives of Missing Young People Desperately Seek Information After Ski Resort Blaze
The families of teenagers lost after a deadly blaze at a bar in a Swiss winter destination are confronting an painful wait for answers and appealing for any details about their family members publicly.
The fire engulfed the Le Constellation bar in the alpine resort, located in the Swiss Alps of the Valais region, in the small hours of January 1st. Verified images show the roof structure catching alight as beverages with fireworks are held aloft.
Emergency services have indicated that it could take days if not weeks to formally name the victims of the disaster, which resulted in the death of numerous partygoers and hurt another over a hundred. A spokesperson said on Friday that 113 of the injured have been accounted for, with the process still underway to identify the final individuals.
In the interim, families and friends have been taking to the internet to appeal for information about their missing relatives who were present at the venue that evening.
Heartbreaking Pleas for the Unaccounted For
The fate of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, sixteen, are still unconfirmed, according to an heartfelt request from his family.
The who lives of a town near the city, explained to a local newspaper that she had gone back to the city to see if he was in the hospital, while his father did the equivalent search in Bern, but could not find him.
"This is a living nightmare, a horror. The options are finding my son in the morgue, or I find him in a serious state. It's terrible," she stated.
She continued that some of his friends had been discovered with burns covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's unspeakable; they endured hell."
The Italy's foreign ministry has indicated that six of its nationals are still unaccounted for.
Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old promising athlete, who hailed from Italy but now residing in Dubai.
The Italian Golf Federation has released a tribute that he is no longer with us, without directly referencing the fire, paying tribute to a "young athlete who carried with him dedication and true sportsmanship."
His father, reportedly stated that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around midnight. An representative has clarified that a official announcement of his death is still pending.
Other Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is also unaccounted for. His parent told reporters that he had been on holiday but had ventured out with a group and found himself at the venue.
"A companion told me they fled after the fire started and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a certain point he they were separated," she said, adding he had been wearing a distinctive gold chain.
One of his educators said, "I remember his good nature and smile, alongside great maturity. Often offer to get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Swiss and Greek nationality but lives permanently in Switzerland, was also present on New Year's Eve, according to media.
Her brother has shared an urgent request on social media, saying the family has had "no information" regarding the teenager or the three friends she was with, who are also reported missing.
Consular authorities from her country of origin say they are closely watching the developments.