'Living a Nightmare': Relatives of Unaccounted For Teens Await Information After Alpine Inferno

Missing teen portrait
16-year-old Swiss teenager a young man from Switzerland is listed as missing.

The relatives of teenagers unaccounted for after a devastating inferno at a venue in a Switzerland's ski resort are confronting an painful wait for official news and pleading for information about their loved ones publicly.

The fire engulfed the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the mountains of south-west Switzerland, in the middle of the night of New Year's Day. Circulated video reveal the roof structure igniting as beverages with sparklers are held aloft.

Emergency services have warned that it could take an extended period to formally name the those who perished of the fire, which killed 40 people and injured another 119. Authorities said on the latest update that the majority of the those hurt have been identified, with the process ongoing to name the other six.

In the interim, relatives have been posting on social media to appeal for clues about their loved ones who were in attendance that night.

Desperate Searches for the Missing

The whereabouts of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, 16, are still unconfirmed, according to an heartfelt request from his family.

The resident of a town near the city, informed a publication that she had returned to Lausanne to check whether he was in the medical facility, while his father did the equivalent search in the capital, but was unsuccessful.

"It feels like a terrible dream, an ordeal. Either I find my son in the morgue, or I find him in intensive care. It's terrible," she stated.

She explained that some of his friends had been found with injuries covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's unspeakable; they endured an absolute nightmare."

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

Missing teen portrait
Junior golfer Emanuele Galeppini, 16, was last heard from around midnight on New Year's Eve, as stated by.

Among them is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage sportsman, originally from Italy but now residing in the UAE.

The Italian Golf Federation has stated that he is no longer with us, without mentioning the fire, paying tribute to a "talented young man who carried with him dedication and authentic values."

His father, is quoted as saying that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around midnight. An official spokesperson has clarified that a formal confirmation of his death is not yet.

Further Cases

Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is likewise unaccounted for. His mother said that he had been on vacation but had gone out with friends and ended up at the venue.

"A companion said they escaped after the fire broke out and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a certain point he they were separated," she explained, adding he had been wearing a identifiable gold chain.

One of his teachers said, "He was known for his kindness and smile, coupled with great responsibility. Often ask if help out."

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

Her sibling has published an urgent request online, saying the relatives has had "no news" regarding the teenager or the group she was with, who are also reported missing.

Consular authorities from her other nation say they are actively engaged with the case.

Matthew Brown
Matthew Brown

A passionate travel writer and photographer with a love for uncovering Italy's lesser-known destinations and sharing authentic experiences.