'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Loved Ones of Missing Young People Await News After Ski Resort Fire

Missing teen portrait
16-year-old Swiss teenager Arthur Brodard is one of those unaccounted for.

The loved ones of teens missing after a deadly blaze at a venue in a Switzerland's alpine town are enduring an painful wait for answers and requesting information about their loved ones online.

The fire devastated the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Alps of the Valais region, in the small hours of the first day of the year. Verified footage reveal the ceiling being engulfed in flames as bottles with sparklers are raised in celebration.

Officials have stated that it could take considerable time to identify the fatalities of the disaster, which killed numerous partygoers and wounded another over a hundred. Authorities noted on Friday that the majority of the injured have been identified, with efforts ongoing to locate the other six.

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

Appeals for the Unaccounted For

The location of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, 16, are not yet determined, according to an appeal from his family.

The resident of Lutry near the city, informed a local newspaper that she had returned to the city to see if he was in the hospital, while his father did the same in the capital, but could not find him.

"It feels like a terrible dream, a nightmare. Either I find my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in a serious state. It's horrific," she stated.

She continued that some of his friends had been discovered with burns covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's unspeakable; they experienced an absolute nightmare."

The Italian foreign ministry has said that six of its young people are still unaccounted for.

Unaccounted teen portrait
Young athlete Emanuele Galeppini, 16, was last in contact around midnight on New Year's Eve, according to.

Among them is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old sportsman, originally from Italy but now residing in the UAE.

The Italian Golf Federation has said that he is dead, without directly referencing the tragedy, paying tribute to a "talented young man who carried with him passion and authentic values."

His parent, told media that his son was at the bar and was last heard from around the new year. An representative has stated that a official announcement of his death is still pending.

Other Cases

Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is likewise among the missing. His mother explained that he had been on holiday but had ventured out with a group and ended up at the bar.

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

One of his teachers stated, "I've always been struck by his kindness and positive demeanor, coupled with great maturity. He would frequently 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 reports.

Her sibling has shared 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.

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

Mr. Jose Johnson DVM
Mr. Jose Johnson DVM

Elara is a seasoned travel writer and luxury lifestyle expert, sharing insights from her global adventures and passion for sophisticated living.