The loved ones of teenagers unaccounted for after a devastating blaze at a bar in a Swiss winter destination are facing an agonising period of uncertainty for official news and appealing for clues about their loved ones publicly.
The inferno engulfed the Le Constellation bar in the alpine resort, located in the Alps of the Valais region, in the early hours of January 1st. Circulated footage reveal the ceiling being engulfed in flames as beverages with sparklers are held aloft.
Emergency services have stated that it could take an extended period to formally name the fatalities of the disaster, which resulted in the death of 40 people and hurt another over a hundred. Authorities said on Friday that 113 of the injured have been accounted for, with efforts ongoing to identify the other six.
In the interim, loved ones have been using the internet to appeal for any news about their loved ones who were present at the venue that evening.
Appeals for the Missing
The location of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are still unconfirmed, according to an appeal from his family.
The resident of Lutry near the city, informed a publication that she had returned 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, an ordeal. The options are finding my son in the morgue, or I find him in critical condition. It's horrific," she told the paper.
She added that some of his companions had been found with injuries covering nearly half their bodies. "It's indescribable; they endured a terrifying ordeal."
The Italian government has confirmed that six of its nationals have not been located.
Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage junior golfer, who hailed from Italy but now residing in Dubai.
The national sporting body has said that he is deceased, without mentioning the fire, honoring a "young athlete who carried with him dedication and true sportsmanship."
His father, is quoted as saying 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.
Additional Missing Individuals
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is also unaccounted for. His mother told reporters that he had been on holiday but had gone out with friends and found himself at the bar.
"A close friend informed me they fled after the fire erupted 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 identifiable gold chain.
One of his teachers said, "He was known for his good nature and positive demeanor, combined with great maturity. Every time ask if get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Greek and Swiss nationality but lives permanently in the country, was also present on New Year's Eve, according to media.
Her brother has published an appeal on social media, saying the family has had "no news" regarding the teenager or the three friends she was with, who are also reported missing.
Consular authorities from her other nation say they are closely watching the developments.
