'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Loved Ones of Missing Teenagers Await Information After Ski Resort Fire

Unaccounted teen photo
16-year-old Swiss national a young man from Switzerland is among the missing.

The families of teens lost after a deadly fire at a establishment in a Switzerland's ski resort are facing an agonising wait for official news and requesting information about their family members online.

The fire ripped through the Le Constellation bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Swiss Alps of the Valais region, in the early hours of New Year's Day. Circulated images show the ceiling igniting as bottles with sparklers are raised in celebration.

Officials have stated that it could take considerable time to formally name the fatalities of the fire, which killed four dozen individuals and hurt another 119. Officials said on Friday that the majority of the those hurt have been identified, with work still underway to locate the final individuals.

In the meantime, families and friends have been taking to social media to plead for clues about their missing relatives who were at the bar that night.

Appeals for the Unaccounted For

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

The resident of Lutry near Lausanne, told a publication that she had gone back to Lausanne to check whether he was in the hospital, while his father did the equivalent search in the capital, but did not locate him.

"This is a living nightmare, a nightmare. The options are finding my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in intensive care. It's horrific," she said.

She added that some of his friends had been discovered with injuries covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's indescribable; they went through a terrifying ordeal."

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

Unaccounted teen photo
Young athlete Emanuele Galeppini, sixteen, was last heard from around the turn of the new year on December 31st, as stated by.

One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old sportsman, originally from Genoa but now living in the UAE.

The national sporting body has stated that he is no longer with us, without directly referencing the fire, honoring a "young athlete who represented dedication and true sportsmanship."

His father, told media that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around midnight. An representative has indicated that a formal confirmation of his death is awaited.

Additional Missing Individuals

Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is also among the missing. His parent told reporters that he had been on holiday but had gone out with a group and found himself at the bar.

"A close friend said they ran away after the fire started and that he had his phone 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, "He was known for his good nature and smile, alongside great responsibility. Every time ask if get me a coffee."

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

Her sibling has published an urgent request on social media, saying the relatives has had "no updates" 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 developments.

Tommy Aguirre
Tommy Aguirre

Lena Weber is a seasoned journalist and blogger based in Berlin, focusing on German politics and social trends with a passion for storytelling.