'Enduring a Horrific Ordeal': Relatives of Missing Teenagers Await Information After Ski Resort Fire
The relatives of teenagers unaccounted for after a devastating fire at a bar in a Switzerland's alpine town are confronting an excruciating period of uncertainty for official news and appealing for information about their children online.
The inferno devastated the a popular bar in the alpine resort, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the small hours of January 1st. Verified images depict the roof structure igniting as beverages with fireworks are raised in celebration.
Authorities have indicated that it could take days if not weeks to formally name the fatalities of the fire, which killed numerous partygoers and hurt another over a hundred. Officials said on Friday that 113 of the injured have been identified, with work still underway to name the remaining few.
In the waiting period, loved ones have been using social media to appeal for clues about their loved ones who were at the bar that night.
Appeals for the Missing
The fate of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are not yet determined, according to an public plea from his parent.
The resident of Lutry near the city, told a publication that she had returned to the city to see if he was in the medical facility, while his other parent did the same in the capital, but could not find him.
"It feels like a terrible dream, a nightmare. Either I find my son in the morgue, or I find him in critical condition. It's horrific," she told the paper.
She explained that some of his companions had been located with injuries covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's indescribable; they endured an absolute nightmare."
The Italian government has said that a number of of its nationals are still unaccounted for.
Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old junior golfer, who hailed from Italy but now living in the UAE.
The Italian Golf Federation has stated that he is dead, without mentioning the fire, 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 midnight. An representative has indicated that a formal confirmation of his death is still pending.
Other Missing Individuals
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is also unaccounted for. His mother said that he had been on vacation but had ventured out with a group and found himself at the venue.
"A close friend informed me they escaped after the fire started and that he had his phone with him, but then at a specific moment he lost sight of him," she explained, adding he had been wearing a identifiable piece of jewelry.
One of his educators said, "He was known for his kindness and smile, alongside great maturity. Often offer to help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Greek and Swiss citizenship but lives permanently in the country, was also at the bar on New Year's Eve, according to media.
Her sibling has posted an appeal on social media, 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 other nation say they are continuing to monitor the developments.