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The families of young people unaccounted for after a devastating blaze at a venue in a Switzerland's alpine town are enduring an agonising wait for answers and appealing for clues about their children via social media.

The fire engulfed the a popular bar in Cans-Montana, located in the Alps of south-west Switzerland, in the small hours of January 1st. Circulated footage depict the ceiling catching alight as beverages with sparklers are raised in celebration.

Authorities have warned that it could take an extended period to identify the those who perished of the fire, which resulted in the death of 40 people and injured another over a hundred. A spokesperson noted on the latest update that the majority of the those hurt have been identified, with work still underway to identify the final individuals.

In the meantime, relatives have been using online platforms to appeal for any news about their friends who were in attendance that evening.

Heartbreaking Pleas for the Missing

The location of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, a teenager, are still unconfirmed, according to an public plea from his mother.

The who lives of Lutry near Lausanne, informed a local newspaper that she had gone back to Lausanne to check whether he was in the medical facility, while his other parent did the equivalent search in Bern, but could not find him.

"I'm living a nightmare, a horror. Either I find my son in the morgue, or I find him in intensive care. Words cannot describe it," she told the paper.

She added that some of his friends had been discovered with burns covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's unspeakable; they endured an absolute nightmare."

The Italian foreign ministry has confirmed that a number of of its citizens are still unaccounted for.

Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a 16-year-old sportsman, originally from Italy but now residing in Dubai.

The national sporting body has released a tribute that he is dead, without directly referencing the fire, paying tribute to a "talented young man who embodied dedication and true sportsmanship."

His father, told media 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 Cases

Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is likewise among the missing. His parent explained that he had been on holiday but had gone out with a group and found himself at the venue.

"A close friend said they escaped after the fire broke out and that he had his mobile with him, but then at a certain point he they were separated," she explained, adding he had been wearing a identifiable piece of jewelry.

One of his educators stated, "I've always been struck by his kindness and smile, alongside great responsibility. He would frequently offer to get me a coffee."

Alice Kallergis, who holds dual Swiss and Greek citizenship but lives permanently in the country, was also present on that night, according to sources.

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

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