'Enduring a Horrific Ordeal': Relatives of Unaccounted For Teens Await Answers After Alpine Blaze
The families of teens unaccounted for after a deadly inferno at a establishment in a Switzerland's alpine town are facing an painful period of uncertainty for answers and appealing for clues about their children via social media.
The fire ripped through the a popular bar in the alpine resort, located in the mountains of south-west Switzerland, in the middle of the night of January 1st. Confirmed video reveal the roof structure catching alight as beverages with fireworks are held aloft.
Emergency services have stated that it could take considerable time to identify the victims of the fire, which resulted in the death of 40 people and wounded another scores more. A spokesperson noted on Friday that the majority of the those hurt have been identified, with the process ongoing to locate the other six.
In the interim, loved ones have been taking to online platforms to request any news about their friends who were present at the venue that night.
Desperate Searches for the Unaccounted For
The fate of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, 16, are currently unknown, according to an public plea from his mother.
The resident of Lutry near Lausanne, explained to a local newspaper that she had gone back to the city to check whether he was in the medical facility, while his other parent did the same in Bern, but was unsuccessful.
"I'm living a nightmare, a horror. Either I find my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in intensive care. It's terrible," she told the paper.
She continued that some of his friends had been located with burns covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's unspeakable; they endured a terrifying ordeal."
The Italy's government has indicated that a number of of its nationals are still unaccounted for.
One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old promising athlete, who hailed from Genoa but now living in Dubai.
The Italian Golf Federation has said that he is dead, without directly referencing the tragedy, honoring a "young athlete who carried with him passion and true sportsmanship."
His parent, is quoted as saying that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around the new year. An official spokesperson has stated that a official announcement of his death is still pending.
Other Missing Individuals
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is also unaccounted for. His mother explained that he had been on holiday but had ventured out with a group and ended up at the venue.
"Someone with him said they ran away 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 distinctive gold chain.
One of his teachers said, "He was known for his good nature and positive demeanor, coupled with great responsibility. Often offer to help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Greek and Swiss citizenship but lives permanently in Switzerland, was also present on New Year's Eve, according to sources.
Her brother has posted an urgent request online, saying the relatives has had "no updates" regarding the 15-year-old 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 situation.