'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Relatives of Missing Young People Await Answers After Ski Resort Inferno
The loved ones of young people unaccounted for after a deadly blaze at a bar in a Swiss ski resort are confronting an agonising wait for official news and pleading for clues about their loved ones via social media.
The blaze engulfed the Le Constellation bar in Cans-Montana, located in the mountains of the Valais region, in the middle of the night of New Year's Day. Circulated footage show the roof structure catching alight as bottles with sparklers are held aloft.
Authorities have warned that it could take an extended period to identify the those who perished of the disaster, which claimed the lives of numerous partygoers and wounded another 119. Officials noted on Friday that the majority of the those hurt have been accounted for, with efforts continuing to locate the other six.
In the interim, relatives have been using the internet to appeal for clues about their missing relatives who were at the bar that night.
Appeals for the Unaccounted For
The whereabouts of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, sixteen, are currently unknown, according to an appeal from his parent.
The who lives of Lutry near the city, told a publication that she had gone back to Lausanne to see if he was in the hospital, while his other parent did the equivalent search in the capital, but did not locate him.
"This is a living nightmare, a horror. Either I find my son in the morgue, or I find him in intensive care. Words cannot describe it," she stated.
She explained that some of his companions had been found with injuries covering a significant portion of their bodies. "There are no words; they experienced an absolute nightmare."
The Italian government has confirmed that six of its nationals have not been located.
Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old sportsman, originally from Italy but now living in the UAE.
The national sporting body has said that he is no longer with us, without mentioning the tragedy, paying tribute to a "talented young man who embodied dedication and true sportsmanship."
His father, reportedly stated that his son was at the bar and was last heard from around the new year. An representative has stated that a formal confirmation of his death is awaited.
Other Missing Individuals
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is likewise unaccounted for. His mother said that he had been on vacation but had ventured out with a group and found himself at the venue.
"Someone with him informed me they fled after the fire erupted and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a certain point he couldn't see him anymore," she recounted, adding he had been wearing a identifiable piece of jewelry.
One of his teachers said, "I remember his good nature and smile, alongside great maturity. Often offer to help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds both Swiss and Greek nationality but lives full-time in the country, was also present on New Year's Eve, according to sources.
Her sibling has shared an urgent request on social media, saying the family has had "no updates" regarding the 15-year-old or the three friends she was with, who are also unaccounted for.
Officials from her other nation say they are closely watching the developments.