Pescara Primavera player ‘saw horrible things’ in Swiss ski resort fire

Pescara Primavera midfielder Eliot Thelen is among those injured in the fire at Le Costellation in Cras-Montana, Switzerland: ‘I saw horrible things.’

Pescara Primavera midfielder Thelen, 18, was among those involved in a fire at Le Costellation in Cras-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year’s Eve. The blaze left more than 40 people dead and dozens of others with serious burn injuries.

The U19 Luxembourg international was discharged from the hospital on Thursday and told reporters (via Gazzetta): “I saw horrible things. My best friend has to undergo surgery, and another friend is in intensive care. I don’t feel well.”

Serie B side Pescara said in a statement: “We learn that Eliot Thelen, a footballer for our Primavera team, is among those injured in the New Year’s tragedy in Switzerland. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families, Eliot, and the others involved.”

The club also shared a message from the player himself: “I am close to the friends involved and the families of the victims. What I experienced leaves a strong psychological impact: I witnessed very harsh scenes. Thank you for the affection you have shown.”