'Enduring a Horrific Ordeal': Loved Ones of Unaccounted For Teenagers Desperately Seek Information After Alpine Fire
The relatives of teenagers lost after a tragic fire at a venue in a Switzerland's alpine town are enduring an excruciating wait for confirmed information and pleading for any details about their loved ones publicly.
The blaze ripped through the a popular bar in the alpine resort, located in the Swiss Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the small hours of the first day of the year. Verified footage depict the roof structure catching alight as bottles with fireworks are held aloft.
Authorities have indicated that it could take an extended period to identify the fatalities of the fire, which claimed the lives of four dozen individuals and wounded another 119. Authorities stated on Friday that the majority of the those hurt have been accounted for, with work ongoing to name the final individuals.
In the meantime, relatives have been using social media to plead for any news about their missing relatives who were in attendance that night.
Appeals for the Unaccounted For
The whereabouts of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, 16, are currently unknown, according to an appeal from his parent.
The resident of Lutry near Lausanne, explained to a local newspaper that she had gone back to the city to see if he was in the medical facility, while his father did the equivalent search in Bern, but did not locate him.
"I'm living a nightmare, a horror. The options are finding 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 peers had been discovered with injuries covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's indescribable; they endured an absolute nightmare."
The Italy's foreign ministry has said that six of its young people have not been located.
One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old junior golfer, originally from Italy but now living in Dubai.
The Italian Golf Federation has said that he is dead, without directly referencing the fire, paying tribute to a "young athlete who embodied dedication and true sportsmanship."
His parent, reportedly stated that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around midnight. An representative has indicated that a official announcement of his death is awaited.
Other Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is likewise unaccounted for. His mother said that he had been on vacation but had ventured out with friends and found himself at the bar.
"Someone with him said they escaped after the fire broke out and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a specific moment he couldn't see him anymore," she explained, adding he had been wearing a distinctive gold chain.
One of his teachers commented, "He was known for his good nature and positive demeanor, alongside great responsibility. Every time ask if 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 reports.
Her sibling has shared an urgent request online, saying the relatives 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 continuing to monitor the case.