🔗 Share this article

The relatives of young people lost after a devastating fire at a establishment in a Switzerland's ski resort are facing an agonising period of uncertainty for answers and appealing for information about their children online.

The inferno ripped through the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the mountains of the Valais region, in the middle of the night of New Year's Day. Confirmed video depict the ceiling being engulfed in flames as beverages with fireworks are raised in celebration.

Officials have warned that it could take considerable time to formally name the victims of the tragedy, which claimed the lives of 40 people and injured another over a hundred. Authorities noted on Friday that the majority of the injured have been accounted for, with efforts ongoing to locate the remaining few.

In the waiting period, relatives have been using online platforms to appeal for any news about their missing relatives who were in attendance that night.

Desperate Searches for the Unaccounted For

The location of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are currently unknown, according to an appeal from his mother.

The who lives of a town near the city, informed a local newspaper that she had returned to the city to see if he was in the hospital, while his father did the same in Bern, but did not locate him.

"It feels like a terrible dream, a horror. Either I find my son in the morgue, or I find him in a serious state. It's terrible," she told the paper.

She added that some of his companions had been located with injuries covering nearly half their bodies. "It's unspeakable; they experienced an absolute nightmare."

The Italian foreign ministry has confirmed that a number of of its nationals have not been located.

Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage sportsman, originally from Genoa but now living in Dubai.

The national sporting body has released a tribute that he is no longer with us, without mentioning the fire, honoring a "young athlete who carried with him passion and authentic values."

His father, reportedly stated that his son was at the bar and was last heard from around midnight. An representative has indicated that a formal confirmation of his death is awaited.

Further Missing Individuals

Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is likewise unaccounted for. His mother explained that he had been on vacation but had ventured out with friends and found himself at the bar.

"Someone with him told me they ran away after the fire broke out and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a specific moment he couldn't see him anymore," she said, adding he had been wearing a distinctive gold chain.

One of his teachers said, "I remember his kindness and positive demeanor, combined with great responsibility. Every time ask if get me a coffee."

Alice Kallergis, who holds both Greek and Swiss nationality but lives permanently in the country, was also at the bar on that night, according to reports.

Her sibling has posted an appeal online, saying the family has had "no information" regarding the 15-year-old or the group she was with, who are also reported missing.

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