'Trapped in a Dreadful Dream': Loved Ones of Missing Teens Await News After Alpine Blaze

Missing teen portrait
Teenage Swiss national a young man from Switzerland is among the missing.

The relatives of young people lost after a tragic inferno at a bar in a Switzerland's winter destination are enduring an excruciating wait for official news and pleading for information about their loved ones via social media.

The fire ripped through the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the middle of the night of January 1st. Circulated images depict the ceiling catching alight as bottles with fireworks are raised in celebration.

Emergency services have stated that it could take considerable time to formally name the victims of the disaster, which killed four dozen individuals and hurt another scores more. Officials said on the latest update that the majority of the injured have been accounted for, with the process continuing to locate the remaining few.

In the interim, loved ones have been posting on online platforms to plead for any news about their friends who were in attendance that evening.

Desperate Searches for the Unaccounted For

The fate of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are still unconfirmed, according to an heartfelt request from his mother.

The who lives of a town near Lausanne, told a publication that she had gone back to Lausanne to check whether he was in the medical facility, while his other parent did the same in the capital, but was unsuccessful.

"This is a living nightmare, an ordeal. The options are finding my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in a serious state. It's terrible," she said.

She continued that some of his companions had been located with injuries covering nearly half 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.

Missing teen portrait
Teenage sportsman Emanuele Galeppini, sixteen, was last in contact around the turn of the new year on New Year's Eve, according to.

Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage promising athlete, who hailed from Italy but now residing in Dubai.

The Italian Golf Federation has stated that he is no longer with us, without directly referencing the fire, honoring a "young athlete who embodied dedication and true sportsmanship."

His father, reportedly stated 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 Missing Individuals

Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is also unaccounted for. His mother told reporters that he had been on vacation but had gone out with friends and ended up at the bar.

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

One of his educators said, "I've always been struck by his kindness and positive demeanor, coupled with great maturity. Often ask if help out."

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

Her sibling has shared an urgent request on social media, saying the relatives has had "no updates" regarding the 15-year-old or the group she was with, who are also unaccounted for.

Consular authorities from her country of origin say they are actively engaged with the situation.

Lisa Hayes
Lisa Hayes

A passionate writer and UK explorer, sharing personal experiences and insights on modern living and travel adventures.