Crans-Montana, Switzerland — Families of teenagers missing after a devastating fire at a bar in a popular ski resort are gripped by a harrowing wait for news, turning to social media in desperate searches for their loved ones. The fire, which officials believe ignited due to sparklers too close to the ceiling, has claimed the lives of 40 people and left 119 injured.
Local authorities indicate that an investigation will scrutinize various elements surrounding the incident, including fire safety measures at the venue and the number of patrons present at the time. Valais Attorney General Beatrice Pilloud emphasized that identifying the victims may take days, if not weeks, as efforts continue. Currently, 113 of the injured have been identified, but six remain unaccounted for.
Among the missing is 15-year-old Charlotte Niddam, who had attended schools in the UK before her family relocated to France. The Jewish Free School in London, where she was once a student, expressed its hopes for her safe return while appealing to the community for prayers. Charlotte is known to have worked as a babysitter at the Crans-Montana resort during school vacations.
Another family anxiously awaits word about 16-year-old Arthur Brodard, with his mother Laetitia searching hospitals for information. She described her anguish and the nightmare she has been living since her son disappeared, candidly sharing that some of his friends have been hospitalized with severe burn injuries.
Fifteen-year-old Achille Barosi, an Italian national, is also among those missing. His family last heard from him when he entered the bar to retrieve belongings shortly after midnight. Described as a talented artist, Achille’s relatives fear the worst and simply wish for his safety.
Italian junior golfer Emanuele Galeppini, who resides in Dubai but originally hails from Genoa, has also been identified as missing. The Italian Golf Federation has mournfully confirmed his death, while officials from the foreign ministry have yet to officially verify this information.
Giovanni Tamburi, another 16-year-old from Bologna, was last spotted at the bar. His mother recounted that he was with friends but later became untraceable after a fire erupted. Staff and friends describe Giovanni as compassionate and well-loved within his community, heightening the hopes for his safe return.
Amidst the turmoil, the family of 22-year-old Emilie Pralong is desperate for updates. Her grandfather expressed an emotional wait, balancing hope with the reality that more difficult news may be on the horizon. Meanwhile, multiple families, including that of dual national Alice Kallergis, are pleading for information on their missing relatives, further underscoring the pervasive fear gripping the community.
As grieving families await clarity in a situation that is evolving rapidly, the local community is pulling together in support, offering prayers and resources to help in the search for the missing. The tragic event has not only mounted on the personal loss of those involved but also left an indelible mark on a ski resort that was once a symbol of celebration.
