'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Relatives of Unaccounted For Young People Await News After Ski Resort Inferno
The relatives of teens lost after a devastating blaze at a bar in a Switzerland's winter destination are confronting an agonising wait for answers and requesting information about their loved ones online.
The blaze engulfed the a popular bar in the alpine resort, located in the mountains of the Valais region, in the early hours of the first day of the year. Circulated footage depict the roof structure being engulfed in flames as bottles with sparklers are raised in celebration.
Emergency services have stated that it could take days if not weeks to identify the those who perished of the tragedy, which claimed the lives of four dozen individuals and wounded another 119. Officials said on Friday that the majority of the those hurt have been identified, with efforts continuing to identify the final individuals.
In the waiting period, loved ones have been posting on online platforms to appeal for any news about their friends who were present at the venue that evening.
Desperate Searches for the Unaccounted For
The whereabouts of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, 16, are currently unknown, according to an public plea from his mother.
The resident of Lutry near the city, explained to a publication that she had gone back to Lausanne to check whether he was in the medical facility, 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 hospital mortuary, or I find him in intensive care. It's horrific," she told the paper.
She continued that some of his peers had been found with injuries covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's indescribable; they went through an absolute nightmare."
The Italy's government has said that a number of of its citizens remain missing.
Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage junior golfer, who hailed from Genoa but now living in Dubai.
The national sporting body has stated that he is deceased, without directly referencing the fire, honoring a "young athlete who embodied dedication and authentic values."
His parent, told media that his son was at the bar and was last heard from around the new year. An representative has indicated that a formal confirmation of his death is not yet.
Other Missing Individuals
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is also among the missing. His mother said that he had been on vacation but had ventured out with a group and found himself at the bar.
"A close friend said they ran away after the fire erupted and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a specific moment he they were separated," she said, adding he had been wearing a identifiable gold chain.
One of his educators stated, "I remember his good nature and smile, coupled with great maturity. Often ask if get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Swiss and Greek citizenship but lives full-time in Switzerland, was also present on New Year's Eve, according to media.
Her sibling has shared an appeal online, saying the family has had "no news" regarding the 15-year-old or the group she was with, who are also reported missing.
Officials from her other nation say they are actively engaged with the situation.