'Living a Nightmare': Relatives of Missing Teens Await News After Alpine Fire
The relatives of teens missing after a deadly fire at a establishment in a Switzerland's winter destination are enduring an excruciating wait for official news and pleading for clues about their family members online.
The fire engulfed the a popular bar in the alpine resort, located in the mountains of the Valais region, in the early hours of January 1st. Circulated images depict the roof structure catching alight as bottles with sparklers are raised in celebration.
Emergency services have stated that it could take days if not weeks to formally name the victims of the fire, which claimed the lives of numerous partygoers and injured another 119. A spokesperson noted on Friday that the majority of the those hurt have been identified, with work still underway to identify the final individuals.
In the waiting period, relatives have been taking to the internet to request clues about their friends who were present at the venue that fateful night.
Heartbreaking Pleas for the Missing
The fate of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, 16, are not yet determined, according to an heartfelt request from his parent.
The resident of Lutry near the city, explained to a publication that she had returned to Lausanne to check whether he was in the hospital, while his other parent did the equivalent search in the capital, but was unsuccessful.
"I'm living a nightmare, an ordeal. Either I find my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in intensive care. It's horrific," she told the paper.
She explained that some of his peers had been discovered with burns covering a significant portion of their bodies. "There are no words; they experienced an absolute nightmare."
The Italian government has confirmed that a number of of its young people remain missing.
One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old promising athlete, originally from Italy but now residing in Dubai.
The Italian Golf Federation has released a tribute that he is no longer with us, 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 heard from around midnight. An representative has stated that a formal confirmation of his death is still pending.
Further Missing Individuals
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is likewise unaccounted for. His mother said that he had been on vacation but had gone 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 phone with him, but then at a certain point he they were separated," she explained, adding he had been wearing a distinctive gold chain.
One of his educators said, "I remember his good nature and positive demeanor, combined with great responsibility. He would frequently ask if get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds both Swiss and Greek citizenship but lives full-time in the country, was also present on that night, 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 group she was with, who are also reported missing.
Consular authorities from her other nation say they are closely watching the situation.