A 15-year-old boy, who was a former pupil at a British school, is missing and feared dead following a catastrophic fire that tore through a ski resort apartment block in the Swiss Alps.
Inferno Engulfs Alpine Apartment Block
The devastating blaze erupted in the early hours of Thursday morning at a residential building in the popular resort of Saas-Fee, in the canton of Valais. Emergency services received the alarm at around 4:50 am local time, with the fire rapidly consuming the structure.
Swiss police confirmed that one person has died and several others were injured in the inferno. The intense flames and subsequent structural damage have severely hampered rescue efforts. The missing teenager, whose identity has not been officially released, is understood to have been staying in the apartment block at the time.
Former UK School Community in Shock
The boy was previously a student at St John's School, an independent day and boarding school located in Leatherhead, Surrey. News of his disappearance has sent shockwaves through the school community.
Former teachers from St John's have taken to social media to express their anguish and share prayers for his safety. One ex-staff member posted a heartfelt plea, writing: "Please pray for one of our former pupils missing in the Swiss Alps fire." The school itself is believed to be offering support to the boy's family and those affected.
Ongoing Search and Investigation
Rescue operations are ongoing but are described as extremely difficult due to the dangerous condition of the burnt-out building. Specialists are carefully searching the rubble for any sign of the missing teenager.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Initial reports suggest the fire may have started in the basement of the multi-storey building before spreading violently. At least eleven people were rescued from the burning building by firefighters, with some suffering from smoke inhalation.
The local community in Saas-Fee, a resort known for its family-friendly atmosphere and glacier skiing, has been left deeply shaken by the tragedy. The incident underscores the sudden and severe danger posed by fires in alpine residential buildings.
