The loved ones of teenagers lost after a deadly blaze at a bar in a Swiss winter destination are enduring an agonising period of uncertainty for answers and appealing for any details about their loved ones online.
The fire devastated the Le Constellation bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the middle of the night of January 1st. Confirmed images depict the roof structure being engulfed in flames as beverages with sparklers are held aloft.
Emergency services have indicated that it could take days if not weeks to formally name the victims of the fire, which claimed the lives of numerous partygoers and hurt another scores more. Authorities said on Friday that 113 of the those hurt have been accounted for, with efforts ongoing to locate the remaining few.
In the meantime, relatives have been taking to the internet to plead for information about their missing relatives who were at the bar that night.
Appeals for the Missing
The fate of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are currently unknown, according to an appeal from his family.
The resident of Lutry near Lausanne, informed 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 nightmare. Either I find my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in critical condition. Words cannot describe it," she said.
She continued that some of his friends had been found with injuries covering nearly half their bodies. "There are no words; they went through an absolute nightmare."
The Italy's government has confirmed that six of its citizens are still unaccounted for.
One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old sportsman, who hailed from Genoa but now residing in the UAE.
The Italian Golf Federation has said that he is no longer with us, without mentioning the fire, honoring 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 official spokesperson has stated that a formal confirmation of his death is awaited.
Other Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is also among the missing. His parent explained that he had been on vacation but had gone out with a group and found himself at the bar.
"A companion said they fled after the fire broke out and that he had his phone with him, but then at a certain point he they were separated," she explained, adding he had been wearing a identifiable piece of jewelry.
One of his teachers commented, "I've always been struck by his good nature and positive demeanor, alongside great maturity. Every time offer to help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds both Swiss and Greek nationality but lives permanently in Switzerland, was also at the bar on New Year's Eve, according to media.
Her brother has posted an appeal online, saying the family has had "no news" regarding the teenager or the three friends she was with, who are also reported missing.
Officials from her other nation say they are actively engaged with the situation.
