'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Families of Missing Teenagers Desperately Seek News After Alpine Blaze

Unaccounted teen photo
16-year-old Swiss teenager Arthur Brodard is among the missing.

The families of teenagers lost after a devastating blaze at a bar in a Swiss winter destination are enduring an painful wait for official news and requesting information about their children via social media.

The blaze engulfed the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the mountains of south-west Switzerland, in the middle of the night of January 1st. Circulated footage reveal the roof structure igniting as beverages with sparklers are held aloft.

Authorities have stated that it could take an extended period to identify the fatalities of the fire, which resulted in the death of four dozen individuals and wounded another 119. Authorities said on the latest update that the majority of the injured have been identified, with work continuing to locate the final individuals.

In the interim, loved ones have been using the internet to plead for any news about their friends who were present at the venue that night.

Desperate Searches for the Missing

The whereabouts of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, sixteen, are currently unknown, according to an public plea from his family.

The who lives of Lutry near Lausanne, told a local newspaper that she had gone back to the city to check whether he was in the medical facility, while his father did the equivalent search in the capital, but was unsuccessful.

"This is a living nightmare, a horror. Either I find my son in the morgue, or I find him in intensive care. It's terrible," she said.

She added that some of his companions had been found with burns covering nearly half their bodies. "There are no words; they went through an absolute nightmare."

The Italy's foreign ministry has said that six of its nationals have not been located.

Unaccounted teen portrait
Junior golfer Emanuele Galeppini, sixteen, was last heard from around the turn of the new year on December 31st, according to.

One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old sportsman, who hailed from Genoa but now residing in Dubai.

The national sporting body has stated that he is dead, without directly referencing the fire, paying tribute to a "talented young man who represented passion and authentic values."

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

Further Missing Individuals

Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is likewise among the missing. His parent told reporters that he had been on vacation but had gone out with friends and ended up at the venue.

"A close friend informed me they escaped after the fire erupted and that he had his phone with him, but then at a certain point he couldn't see him anymore," she said, adding he had been wearing a identifiable gold chain.

One of his teachers stated, "He was known for his good nature and smile, alongside great responsibility. He would frequently ask if get me a coffee."

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

Her brother has posted an urgent request on social media, saying the family has had "no news" regarding the teenager or the group she was with, who are also reported missing.

Officials from her other nation say they are closely watching the case.

Daniel Payne
Daniel Payne

Lena is a passionate writer and observer of everyday life, sharing her unique perspectives to inspire and connect with readers.