🔗 Share this article

The relatives of teenagers missing after a devastating fire at a establishment in a Switzerland's ski resort are enduring an excruciating period of uncertainty for official news and requesting information about their loved ones online.

The fire engulfed the Le Constellation bar in the alpine resort, located in the mountains of south-west Switzerland, in the early hours of New Year's Day. Circulated footage show the roof structure catching alight as bottles with fireworks are held aloft.

Authorities have warned that it could take considerable time to formally name the those who perished of the fire, which killed numerous partygoers and hurt another over a hundred. Authorities said on the latest update that the majority of the injured have been identified, with efforts ongoing to name the other six.

In the waiting period, relatives have been posting on social media to appeal for clues about their friends who were in attendance that night.

Desperate Searches for the Unaccounted For

The whereabouts of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, 16, are still unconfirmed, according to an public plea from his parent.

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

"I'm living a nightmare, a nightmare. The options are finding my son in the morgue, or I find him in critical condition. Words cannot describe it," she told the paper.

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

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

One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage junior golfer, originally from Italy but now living in the UAE.

The Italian Golf Federation has stated that he is dead, without directly referencing the fire, honoring a "young athlete who represented dedication and authentic values."

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

Further Missing Individuals

Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is also unaccounted for. His parent said that he had been on holiday but had gone out with a group and ended up at the venue.

"A close friend said they escaped after the fire started and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a certain point he lost sight of him," she said, adding he had been wearing a distinctive piece of jewelry.

One of his teachers stated, "He was known for his kindness and positive demeanor, combined with great maturity. He would frequently offer to get me a coffee."

Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Swiss and Greek nationality but lives full-time in the country, was also present on that night, according to media.

Her brother has posted an urgent request online, saying the family has had "no news" regarding the teenager or the three friends she was with, who are also reported missing.

Officials from her country of origin say they are continuing to monitor the developments.