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The loved ones of young people unaccounted for after a devastating fire at a venue in a Switzerland's winter destination are enduring an agonising period of uncertainty for official news and requesting information about their children publicly.

The fire engulfed the a popular bar in the alpine resort, located in the mountains of south-west Switzerland, in the middle of the night of the first day of the year. Confirmed footage reveal the roof structure being engulfed in flames as beverages with sparklers are raised in celebration.

Officials have warned that it could take considerable time to identify the fatalities of the disaster, which claimed the lives of 40 people and injured another scores more. Authorities said on the latest update that the majority of the injured have been identified, with work continuing to identify the final individuals.

In the waiting period, relatives have been taking to the internet to appeal for clues about their friends who were present at the venue that evening.

Appeals for the Unaccounted For

The location of Swiss national Arthur Brodard, 16, are not yet determined, according to an appeal from his parent.

The who lives of a town near Lausanne, told a local newspaper that she had gone back to the city to see if he was in the medical facility, while his father did the equivalent search in Bern, but was unsuccessful.

"This is a living nightmare, an ordeal. The options are finding my son in the morgue, or I find him in critical condition. Words cannot describe it," she said.

She continued that some of his peers had been located with injuries covering a significant portion of their bodies. "It's unspeakable; they endured hell."

The Italian government has confirmed that a number of of its nationals are still unaccounted for.

Included in that group is Emanuele Galeppini, a teenage junior golfer, who hailed from Italy but now residing in the UAE.

The Italian Golf Federation has said that he is no longer with us, without directly referencing the tragedy, honoring a "young athlete who carried with him passion and authentic values."

His parent, told media that his son was at the bar and was last heard from around midnight. An representative has indicated that a formal confirmation of his death is not yet.

Other Missing Individuals

Giovanni Tamburi, 16, is also among the missing. His mother told reporters that he had been on holiday but had ventured out with a group and found himself at the bar.

"A companion informed me they escaped after the fire broke out and that he had his mobile 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 commented, "He was known for his good nature and positive demeanor, coupled with great responsibility. Every time ask if get me a coffee."

Alice Kallergis, who holds both Greek and Swiss nationality but lives full-time in Switzerland, was also at the bar on New Year's Eve, according to media.

Her sibling has posted an urgent request online, saying the family has had "no updates" regarding the teenager or the group she was with, who are also reported missing.

Officials from her other nation say they are closely watching the situation.