'Enduring a Horrific Ordeal': Loved Ones of Missing Teens Desperately Seek Answers After Alpine Blaze

The families of teenagers unaccounted for after a devastating blaze at a venue in a Switzerland's winter destination are facing an agonising period of uncertainty for official news and requesting any details about their family members online.

The fire engulfed the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the early hours of the first day of the year. Verified images reveal the roof structure igniting as beverages with sparklers are held aloft.

Officials have indicated that it could take considerable time to identify the fatalities of the tragedy, which killed 40 people and wounded another 119. Officials said on Friday that 113 of the injured have been accounted for, with work still underway to identify the other six.

In the interim, relatives have been posting on social media to plead for information about their friends who were in attendance that fateful night.

Appeals for the Unaccounted For

The whereabouts of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, 16, are not yet determined, according to an public plea from his mother.

The resident of a town near Lausanne, told a publication that she had gone back to the city to see if he was in the medical facility, while his other parent did the same in the capital, but could not find him.

"This is a living nightmare, a nightmare. Either I find my son in the hospital mortuary, or I find him in critical condition. Words cannot describe it," she stated.

She added that some of his companions had been discovered with injuries covering nearly half their bodies. "It's indescribable; they experienced a terrifying ordeal."

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

One of those is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage sportsman, who hailed from Italy but now residing in the UAE.

The national sporting body has said that he is no longer with us, without directly referencing the fire, paying tribute to a "talented young man who represented dedication and authentic values."

His father, is quoted as saying that his son was at the bar and was last heard from around the new year. An representative has indicated that a official announcement of his death is not yet.

Other Missing Individuals

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

"Someone with him told me they escaped after the fire started and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a specific moment he couldn't see him anymore," she said, adding he had been wearing a identifiable piece of jewelry.

One of his teachers stated, "I remember his good nature and smile, combined with great responsibility. He would frequently offer to help out."

Alice Kallergis, who holds both Greek and Swiss citizenship but lives permanently in Switzerland, was also present on that night, according to media.

Her brother has published an urgent request on social media, saying the relatives has had "no updates" regarding the teenager or the group she was with, who are also unaccounted for.

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