'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Families of Missing Young People Await Information After Alpine Inferno
The relatives of young people missing after a devastating fire at a venue in a Switzerland's winter destination are facing an painful period of uncertainty for answers and pleading for any details about their family members via social media.
The inferno engulfed the Le Constellation bar in Cans-Montana, located in the mountains of south-west Switzerland, in the middle of the night of the first day of the year. Circulated video depict the ceiling being engulfed in flames as bottles with fireworks are raised in celebration.
Authorities have indicated that it could take an extended period to formally name the victims of the fire, which claimed the lives of 40 people and hurt another 119. Authorities stated on the latest update that the majority of the injured have been identified, with work continuing to locate the final individuals.
In the waiting period, relatives have been posting on the internet to plead for any news about their friends who were in attendance that fateful night.
Appeals for the Missing
The whereabouts of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are currently unknown, according to an public plea from his mother.
The resident of Lutry near Lausanne, explained to a publication that she had gone back to Lausanne to see if he was in the medical facility, while his other parent did the same in the capital, but did not locate him.
"It feels like a terrible dream, a horror. Either I find my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in a serious state. It's horrific," she said.
She continued that some of his friends had been located with injuries covering nearly half their bodies. "There are no words; they experienced a terrifying ordeal."
The Italy's foreign ministry has confirmed that a number of of its young people remain missing.
Among them is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage promising athlete, who hailed from Genoa but now living in Dubai.
The national sporting body has released a tribute that he is no longer with us, without mentioning the tragedy, paying tribute to a "young athlete who represented dedication and true sportsmanship."
His father, told media that his son was at the bar and was last heard from around midnight. An official spokesperson has clarified that a official announcement of his death is not yet.
Further Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is also among the missing. His mother explained that he had been on vacation but had ventured out with a group and ended up 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 they were separated," she explained, adding he had been wearing a identifiable piece of jewelry.
One of his teachers stated, "He was known for his kindness and positive demeanor, combined with great responsibility. He would frequently 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 sources.
Her sibling has published an appeal online, saying the relatives has had "no updates" 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 actively engaged with the case.