🔗 Share this article

The families of teens missing after a tragic inferno at a venue in a Switzerland's alpine town are facing an painful period of uncertainty for official news and appealing for any details about their family members online.

The inferno ripped through the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the small hours of New Year's Day. Verified images show the ceiling being engulfed in flames as beverages with sparklers are raised in celebration.

Officials have indicated that it could take an extended period to formally name the those who perished of the fire, which killed four dozen individuals and hurt another over a hundred. Officials stated on Friday that 113 of the those hurt have been identified, with the process still underway to identify the remaining few.

In the meantime, families and friends have been posting on online platforms to plead for any news about their loved ones who were in attendance that fateful night.

Appeals for the Unaccounted For

The fate of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, 16, are not yet determined, according to an heartfelt request from his parent.

The resident of a town near the city, explained to a local newspaper that she had gone back to Lausanne to check whether he was in the medical facility, while his other parent did the same in Bern, but did not locate him.

"It feels like a terrible dream, a nightmare. Either I find my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in critical condition. It's terrible," she told the paper.

She explained that some of his peers had been located with burns covering a significant portion of their bodies. "There are no words; they endured an absolute nightmare."

The Italy's foreign ministry has said that six of its citizens remain missing.

Among them is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage promising athlete, originally from Genoa but now residing in Dubai.

The national sporting body has released a tribute that he is dead, without mentioning the tragedy, honoring a "talented young man who embodied passion and authentic values."

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

Other Cases

Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is also among the missing. His mother said that he had been on holiday but had gone out with friends and found himself at the bar.

"A close friend told me they escaped after the fire started and that he had his phone with him, but then at a certain point he they were separated," she said, adding he had been wearing a identifiable piece of jewelry.

One of his teachers stated, "He was known for his good nature and smile, coupled with great responsibility. Often ask if get me a coffee."

Alice Kallergis, who holds both Greek and Swiss citizenship but lives permanently in Switzerland, was also present on that night, according to media.

Her sibling has shared an appeal online, saying the family has had "no information" regarding the teenager or the three friends she was with, who are also reported missing.

Officials from her other nation say they are actively engaged with the developments.