🔗 Share this article

The relatives of young people unaccounted for after a devastating blaze at a venue in a Swiss winter destination are facing an agonising wait for official news and requesting clues about their loved ones publicly.

The blaze ripped through the a popular bar in the alpine resort, located in the Swiss Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the early hours of New Year's Day. Circulated images depict the roof structure being engulfed in flames as bottles with fireworks are held aloft.

Emergency services have indicated that it could take an extended period to identify the victims of the tragedy, which claimed the lives of 40 people and hurt another 119. A spokesperson noted on Friday that 113 of the injured have been identified, with work continuing to name the remaining few.

In the meantime, loved ones have been using online platforms to plead for clues about their missing relatives who were present at the venue that night.

Desperate Searches for the Missing

The location of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are still unconfirmed, according to an heartfelt request from his parent.

The who lives of a town near the city, told a local newspaper that she had returned to Lausanne to see if he was in the hospital, while his father did the equivalent search in Bern, but could not find him.

"It feels like a terrible dream, a nightmare. Either I find my son in the morgue, or I find him in intensive care. Words cannot describe it," she told the paper.

She added that some of his friends had been located with burns covering nearly half their bodies. "It's indescribable; they endured a terrifying ordeal."

The Italian government has confirmed that a number of of its citizens remain missing.

Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage promising athlete, originally from Genoa but now residing in the UAE.

The Italian Golf Federation has said that he is deceased, without mentioning the tragedy, honoring a "talented young man who represented passion and true sportsmanship."

His parent, reportedly stated that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around midnight. An official spokesperson has stated that a official announcement of his death is still pending.

Further Missing Individuals

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

"A companion informed me they fled after the fire started and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a certain point he couldn't see him anymore," she said, adding he had been wearing a distinctive gold chain.

One of his teachers stated, "He was known for his kindness and smile, alongside great maturity. Every time ask if help out."

Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Swiss and Greek citizenship but lives full-time in the country, was also at the bar on that night, according to sources.

Her sibling has published 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 country of origin say they are closely watching the situation.