The families of teenagers unaccounted for after a deadly blaze at a bar in a Switzerland's alpine town are confronting an excruciating period of uncertainty for confirmed information and requesting clues about their loved ones publicly.
The inferno ripped through the a popular bar in the alpine resort, located in the Alps of the Valais region, in the small hours of New Year's Day. Verified footage show the ceiling igniting as beverages with fireworks 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 resulted in the death of 40 people and wounded another over a hundred. Officials said on Friday that 113 of the those hurt have been accounted for, with the process continuing to identify the remaining few.
In the waiting period, relatives have been taking to social media to plead for information about their friends who were present at the venue that night.
Heartbreaking Pleas for the Unaccounted For
The fate of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, 16, are currently unknown, according to an appeal from his parent.
The who lives of a town near the city, explained to a local newspaper that she had gone back to Lausanne to see if he was in the medical facility, while his other parent did the same in Bern, but was unsuccessful.
"It feels like a terrible dream, a nightmare. The options are finding my son in the morgue, or I find him in intensive care. It's horrific," she told the paper.
She added that some of his companions had been found with burns covering nearly half their bodies. "It's unspeakable; they experienced a terrifying ordeal."
The Italy's government has confirmed that six of its nationals have not been located.
Among them is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old promising athlete, originally from Italy but now residing in the UAE.
The Italian Golf Federation has released a tribute that he is no longer with us, without mentioning the tragedy, paying tribute to a "talented young man who represented dedication and authentic values."
His father, is quoted as saying 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.
Other Cases
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is also unaccounted for. His mother explained that he had been on holiday but had gone out with a group and found himself at the bar.
"A companion informed me they fled after the fire started and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a certain point he couldn't see him anymore," she recounted, adding he had been wearing a identifiable piece of jewelry.
One of his teachers said, "He was known for his good nature and positive demeanor, coupled with great responsibility. Every time offer to get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Greek and Swiss nationality but lives full-time in Switzerland, was also present on that night, according to sources.
Her brother has shared an urgent request on social media, saying the relatives has had "no news" regarding the teenager 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 situation.
