🔗 Share this article

The families of teens unaccounted for after a tragic blaze at a venue in a Swiss ski resort are confronting an agonising period of uncertainty for answers and requesting clues about their loved ones via social media.

The blaze engulfed the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the small hours of New Year's Day. Circulated video reveal the ceiling igniting as bottles with sparklers are held aloft.

Authorities have warned that it could take an extended period to formally name the fatalities of the fire, which killed 40 people and injured another 119. A spokesperson stated on Friday that 113 of the those hurt have been identified, with efforts ongoing to identify the remaining few.

In the meantime, families and friends have been posting on social media to appeal for any news about their friends who were at the bar that evening.

Appeals for the Unaccounted For

The fate of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are not yet determined, according to an public plea from his mother.

The who lives of a town near Lausanne, explained to a publication that she had returned to Lausanne 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, an ordeal. Either I find my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in intensive care. It's terrible," she said.

She added that some of his peers had been found with burns covering nearly half their bodies. "It's unspeakable; they went through hell."

The Italy's government has indicated that a number of of its young people remain missing.

Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage junior golfer, originally from Genoa but now residing in Dubai.

The Italian Golf Federation has stated that he is no longer with us, without directly referencing the tragedy, honoring a "young athlete 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 still pending.

Additional Cases

Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is likewise unaccounted for. His mother said that he had been on holiday but had ventured out with a group and found himself at the bar.

"A companion told me they fled after the fire erupted and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a certain point he they were separated," she said, adding he had been wearing a distinctive piece of jewelry.

One of his teachers commented, "I've always been struck by his kindness and positive demeanor, combined with great responsibility. Every time ask if help out."

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

Her sibling has posted an appeal on social media, saying the relatives has had "no updates" regarding the teenager or the group she was with, who are also reported missing.

Consular authorities from her country of origin say they are closely watching the case.