The families of teenagers missing after a tragic fire at a bar in a Swiss winter destination are facing an excruciating period of uncertainty for confirmed information and appealing for information about their loved ones online.
The fire engulfed the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Alps of the Valais region, in the small hours of the first day of the year. Verified images show the ceiling igniting as bottles with sparklers are raised in celebration.
Emergency services have indicated that it could take considerable time to identify the victims of the tragedy, which resulted in the death of numerous partygoers and injured another scores more. Officials said on the latest update that the majority of the those hurt have been identified, with efforts ongoing to identify the remaining few.
In the waiting period, families and friends have been using online platforms to plead for clues about their friends who were in attendance that fateful night.
The location of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are still unconfirmed, according to an public plea from his mother.
The resident of Lutry near the city, explained to a local newspaper that she had gone back to the city to see if he was in the hospital, while his father did the equivalent search in Bern, but did not locate him.
"This is a living nightmare, a horror. Either I find my son in the morgue, or I find him in critical condition. It's horrific," she said.
She explained that some of his peers had been located with burns covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's indescribable; they experienced an absolute nightmare."
The Italian foreign ministry has indicated that a number of of its young people are still unaccounted for.
Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage sportsman, originally from Italy but now residing in Dubai.
The national sporting body has released a tribute that he is dead, without mentioning the fire, paying tribute to a "talented young man who carried with him dedication and authentic values."
His parent, told media that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around midnight. An representative has clarified that a formal confirmation of his death is awaited.
Giovanni Tamburi, 16, 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.
"A companion told me they ran away after the fire started and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a specific moment he lost sight of him," she said, adding he had been wearing a distinctive gold chain.
One of his educators said, "I remember his good nature and smile, combined with great responsibility. Every time offer to help out."
Alice Kallergis, who holds both Swiss and Greek nationality but lives full-time in Switzerland, was also present on that night, according to sources.
Her sibling has posted 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 other nation say they are continuing to monitor the case.
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