The families of young people lost after a deadly fire at a establishment in a Swiss ski resort are enduring an excruciating wait for answers and appealing for any details about their loved ones via social media.
The fire ripped through the Le Constellation bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the early hours of the first day of the year. Circulated images show the roof structure being engulfed in flames as beverages with sparklers are raised in celebration.
Officials have indicated that it could take an extended period to identify the fatalities of the disaster, which resulted in the death of numerous partygoers and injured another scores more. Authorities noted on the latest update that the majority of the injured have been identified, with work still underway to locate the remaining few.
In the waiting period, loved ones have been using social media to request any news about their friends who were in attendance that night.
The fate of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are still unconfirmed, according to an heartfelt request from his family.
The resident of Lutry near the city, explained to a publication that she had returned to the city to check whether he was in the medical facility, while his father did the same 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. Words cannot describe it," she told the paper.
She continued that some of his companions had been found with injuries covering nearly half their bodies. "It's indescribable; they went through hell."
The Italian government has confirmed that six of its young people remain missing.
One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old junior golfer, who hailed from Italy but now residing in Dubai.
The Italian Golf Federation has released a tribute that he is dead, without directly referencing the tragedy, paying tribute to a "talented young man who carried with him passion and authentic values."
His father, is quoted as saying that his son was at the bar and was last heard from around midnight. An representative has stated that a official announcement of his death is not yet.
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is also unaccounted for. His mother explained that he had been on holiday but had gone out with a group and ended up at the bar.
"A close friend informed me they ran away 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 explained, adding he had been wearing a distinctive piece of jewelry.
One of his educators commented, "I remember his kindness and positive demeanor, alongside great maturity. Often ask if get me a coffee."
Alice Kallergis, who holds both Swiss and Greek citizenship but lives permanently in the country, was also at the bar on that night, according to reports.
Her brother has shared an appeal on social media, saying the relatives has had "no information" regarding the 15-year-old or the three friends she was with, who are also unaccounted for.
Consular authorities from her country of origin say they are continuing to monitor the case.
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