'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Families of Missing Teens Await News After Ski Resort Inferno
The loved ones of teens missing after a devastating blaze at a venue in a Swiss ski resort are confronting an agonising wait for answers and pleading for any details about their children via social media.
The blaze ripped through the Le Constellation bar in the alpine resort, located in the mountains of the Valais region, in the middle of the night of the first day of the year. Circulated footage depict the roof structure igniting as beverages with sparklers are held aloft.
Emergency services have stated that it could take an extended period to identify the those who perished of the tragedy, which claimed the lives of 40 people and injured another 119. Authorities stated on the latest update that the majority of the injured have been accounted for, with work ongoing to name the final individuals.
In the waiting period, families and friends have been using the internet to appeal for any news about their missing relatives who were present at the venue that night.
Appeals for the Missing
The whereabouts of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, 16, are still unconfirmed, according to an heartfelt request from his parent.
The resident of a town near Lausanne, told a local newspaper that she had gone back to the city to check whether he was in the hospital, while his other parent did the same in Bern, but did not locate him.
"This is a living nightmare, a nightmare. Either I find my son in the morgue, or I find him in a serious state. Words cannot describe it," she said.
She added that some of his friends had been located with burns covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's unspeakable; they experienced hell."
The Italian government has indicated that six of its citizens are still unaccounted for.
Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage junior golfer, originally from Italy but now living in Dubai.
The Italian Golf Federation has stated that he is no longer with us, without mentioning the tragedy, paying tribute to a "young athlete who embodied passion 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 indicated that a formal confirmation of his death is awaited.
Additional Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is also unaccounted for. His mother told reporters that he had been on holiday but had ventured out with friends and found himself at the venue.
"A close friend told me they ran away after the fire broke out and that he had his phone with him, but then at a specific moment he they were separated," she explained, adding he had been wearing a distinctive piece of jewelry.
One of his educators said, "He was known for his good nature and smile, combined with great maturity. Often ask if help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds both Greek and Swiss nationality but lives full-time in Switzerland, was also at the bar on New Year's Eve, according to sources.
Her brother has published an appeal 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.