Tragic news from Crans-Montana in Switzerland, where a devasting fire claimed 40 lives at Le Constellation bar on New Year’s Day. Heartbreakingly, bar owner Jacques Moretti discovered waitress Cyane Panine, who was like a stepdaughter, among the victims. The fire, sparked by a New Year’s celebration gone wrong, left 116 more with severe burns.
The catastrophe unfolded when sparklers in champagne bottles ignited ceiling soundproofing material, triggering the deadly blaze in the bar’s basement. Le Constellation’s owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are under investigation for potential negligence. Jacques described his harrowing attempt to reach the stricken patrons, saying, “I tried to get inside but it was impossible. There was far too much smoke.” When he finally forced open a locked door, he found several people unconscious, including Cyane.
Jessica, who viewed Cyane as a little sister, recounted her devastation, stating Cyane had spent Christmas with them. Cyane’s mother believes her daughter might have survived if emergency doors, reportedly locked, had been accessible.
The Morettis, who renovated the bar in 2015, insist they took safety seriously, though they admit there were no sprinklers and fire extinguishers available. Questions linger over whether staff had proper fire safety training. In their defence, the Morettis claim sparklers were regularly used without incident, unaware that the material used in the ceiling could ignite so easily.
Facing charges of negligent manslaughter, the Morettis maintain their innocence, devastated by the event and the loss of young lives, including a 14-year-old boy. The investigation continues as Switzerland mourns this profound loss. A vigil was held in remembrance of the victims, drawing heartfelt tributes from loved ones and the community.