The loved ones of teenagers unaccounted for after a deadly blaze at a establishment in a Swiss ski resort are facing an painful period of uncertainty for official news and pleading for information about their children online.
The blaze devastated the Le Constellation bar in Cans-Montana, located in the mountains of south-west Switzerland, in the small hours of the first day of the year. Circulated footage reveal the roof structure igniting as bottles with fireworks are raised in celebration.
Authorities have indicated that it could take days if not weeks to formally name the victims of the tragedy, which resulted in the death of four dozen individuals and injured another scores more. Authorities said on the latest update that the majority of the those hurt have been identified, with the process continuing to locate the other six.
In the waiting period, families and friends have been posting on social media to request any news about their missing relatives who were present at the venue that fateful night.
The whereabouts of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, sixteen, are currently unknown, according to an public plea from his parent.
The who lives of a town near the city, informed a local newspaper that she had returned to Lausanne to see if he was in the hospital, while his father did the equivalent search in the capital, but was unsuccessful.
"This is a living nightmare, a nightmare. Either I find my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in a serious state. It's terrible," she said.
She added that some of his peers had been located with injuries covering nearly half their bodies. "There are no words; they experienced hell."
The Italy's government has confirmed that six of its nationals are still unaccounted for.
One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old junior golfer, originally from Genoa but now residing in the UAE.
The Italian Golf Federation has said that he is no longer with us, without directly referencing the fire, paying tribute to a "talented young man who embodied passion and true sportsmanship."
His father, reportedly stated that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around the new year. An representative has clarified that a formal confirmation of his death is still pending.
Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is likewise unaccounted for. His parent explained that he had been on vacation but had ventured out with a group and ended up at the venue.
"Someone with him informed me they fled after the fire started and that he had his phone with him, but then at a specific moment he they were separated," she recounted, adding he had been wearing a distinctive piece of jewelry.
One of his educators commented, "I remember his kindness and smile, coupled with great responsibility. Often 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 media.
Her sibling has posted an urgent request online, saying the family has had "no news" regarding the 15-year-old or the three friends she was with, who are also reported missing.
Consular authorities from her other nation say they are closely watching the developments.
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