🔗 Share this article

The loved ones of young people unaccounted for after a deadly inferno at a establishment in a Switzerland's alpine town are enduring an agonising wait for answers and pleading for any details about their children publicly.

The fire engulfed the a popular bar in the alpine resort, located in the Alps of the Valais region, in the early hours of January 1st. Circulated images show the ceiling being engulfed in flames as bottles with fireworks are held aloft.

Officials have warned that it could take days if not weeks to formally name the fatalities of the fire, which claimed the lives of numerous partygoers and injured another 119. Officials stated on Friday that 113 of the those hurt have been identified, with efforts continuing to identify the final individuals.

In the interim, loved ones have been taking to the internet to appeal for any news about their loved ones who were at the bar that night.

Desperate Searches for the Missing

The location of teenager from Switzerland Arthur Brodard, 16, are currently unknown, according to an appeal from his family.

The resident of a town near the city, told a publication that she had returned to Lausanne to check whether he was in the medical facility, while his other parent did the same in Bern, but could not find him.

"This is a living nightmare, a horror. The options are finding my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in a serious state. Words cannot describe it," she stated.

She explained that some of his peers had been discovered with burns covering nearly half their bodies. "It's unspeakable; they went through an absolute nightmare."

The Italian foreign ministry has confirmed that six of its citizens have not been located.

Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old promising athlete, originally from Italy but now living in the UAE.

The national sporting body has stated that he is dead, without mentioning the tragedy, paying tribute to a "young athlete who carried with him passion and true sportsmanship."

His father, is quoted as saying that his son was at the bar and was last in contact around the new year. An official spokesperson has indicated that a formal confirmation of his death is awaited.

Other Cases

Giovanni Tamburi, sixteen, is also unaccounted for. His parent said that he had been on holiday but had gone out with a group and found himself at the venue.

"A close friend told me they escaped after the fire erupted and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a specific moment he they were separated," she recounted, adding he had been wearing a distinctive piece of jewelry.

One of his educators said, "I remember 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 the country, was also present on that night, according to reports.

Her sibling has shared an appeal on social media, saying the family has had "no news" regarding the 15-year-old or the three friends she was with, who are also reported missing.

Officials from her other nation say they are continuing to monitor the developments.