'Living a Nightmare': Loved Ones of Unaccounted For Young People Desperately Seek Answers After Alpine Fire

Missing teen portrait
Teenage Swiss national Arthur Brodard is among the missing.

The relatives of young people lost after a devastating fire at a bar in a Switzerland's winter destination are facing an painful wait for answers and requesting clues about their family members publicly.

The fire ripped through the Le Constellation bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the small hours of the first day of the year. Circulated images show the roof structure being engulfed in flames as bottles with fireworks are held aloft.

Officials have stated that it could take days if not weeks to formally name the those who perished of the fire, which resulted in the death of four dozen individuals and injured another 119. A spokesperson stated on Friday that 113 of the injured have been identified, with efforts ongoing to locate the final individuals.

In the waiting period, loved ones have been taking to online platforms to appeal for information about their friends who were at the bar that night.

Heartbreaking Pleas for the Missing

The location of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, sixteen, are still unconfirmed, according to an public plea from his mother.

The resident of a town near Lausanne, 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 did not locate him.

"This is a living nightmare, an ordeal. Either I find my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in critical condition. It's terrible," she said.

She continued that some of his companions had been found with injuries covering a significant portion of their bodies. "There are no words; they experienced a terrifying ordeal."

The Italian foreign ministry has confirmed that a number of of its young people are still unaccounted for.

Unaccounted teen photo
Junior golfer Emanuele Galeppini, 16, was last heard from around midnight on New Year's Eve, his father said.

Among them is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old sportsman, who hailed from Italy but now residing in Dubai.

The national sporting body has said that he is dead, without directly referencing the fire, paying tribute to a "young athlete who carried with him passion and authentic values."

His father, told media 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 awaited.

Additional Cases

Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is also unaccounted for. His parent explained that he had been on holiday but had ventured out with friends and found himself at the bar.

"Someone with him informed me they ran away after the fire started and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a certain point he lost sight of him," she explained, adding he had been wearing a identifiable piece of jewelry.

One of his educators said, "I remember his good nature and positive demeanor, combined with great responsibility. Often ask if get me a coffee."

Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Swiss and Greek nationality but lives full-time in the country, was also present on New Year's Eve, according to reports.

Her brother has posted an urgent request on social media, saying the family has had "no news" regarding the 15-year-old or the three friends she was with, who are also reported missing.

Officials from her country of origin say they are actively engaged with the situation.

Frank Hall
Frank Hall

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