The families of young people lost after a tragic blaze at a bar in a Swiss ski resort are enduring an painful period of uncertainty for official news and appealing for clues about their children via social media.
The inferno engulfed the Le Constellation bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the small hours of January 1st. Confirmed footage depict the roof structure being engulfed in flames as beverages with sparklers are held aloft.
Officials have warned that it could take considerable time to identify the victims of the fire, which killed four dozen individuals and hurt another over a hundred. Officials noted on the latest update that 113 of the those hurt have been accounted for, with efforts still underway to identify the other six.
In the waiting period, families and friends have been taking to social media to request clues about their missing relatives who were at the bar that evening.
Desperate Searches for the Unaccounted For
The whereabouts of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are currently unknown, according to an heartfelt request from his parent.
The who lives of a town near Lausanne, informed a publication that she had returned to the city to check whether he was in the hospital, while his other parent did the equivalent search in the capital, but was unsuccessful.
"It feels like a terrible dream, a horror. Either I find my son in the morgue, or I find him in intensive care. It's terrible," she told the paper.
She explained that some of his companions had been found with burns covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's indescribable; they experienced an absolute nightmare."
The Italy's foreign ministry has indicated that six of its nationals have not been located.
Among them is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old sportsman, originally from Italy but now living in the UAE.
The Italian Golf Federation has released a tribute that he is deceased, without mentioning the fire, honoring a "talented young man who represented dedication and true sportsmanship."
His father, told media that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around midnight. An official spokesperson has clarified that a official announcement of his death is awaited.
Further Missing Individuals
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is also among the missing. His mother explained that he had been on vacation but had ventured out with a group and found himself at the venue.
"A companion told me they escaped after the fire started and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a specific moment he couldn't see him anymore," she recounted, adding he had been wearing a distinctive piece of jewelry.
One of his teachers said, "I've always been struck by his good nature and smile, alongside great maturity. Often ask if help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Greek and Swiss citizenship but lives permanently in the country, was also present on that night, according to media.
Her brother has posted an urgent request online, saying the relatives has had "no news" regarding the 15-year-old or the three friends she was with, who are also reported missing.
Officials from her country of origin say they are continuing to monitor the case.
