In a tragic incident that has shaken the Swiss community, a devastating fire broke out at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve, claiming the life of 24-year-old staff member Cyane Panine and injuring 116 others. The fire has raised serious questions about the safety standards and negligence of the bar’s French owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti.
According to the family’s lawyer, Sophie Haenni, Cyane Panine was not properly trained and was unaware of the danger posed by the sparklers attached to champagne bottles that ultimately ignited the flammable ceiling lining. Haenni stated that Panine “wasn’t supposed to be serving tables” that night, but had been asked to help manage the high demand for bottles, leading to her being placed in a perilous situation.
The Moretti couple have been accused by authorities of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Investigations have revealed that the bar had not undergone safety checks for five years, and the use of sparklers in champagne bottles, a practice the owners claimed had been in place for a decade, was a clear breach of safety protocols.
In a statement, Haenni said the casualties “could have been avoided” if “safety standards (particularly regarding materials) had been followed and the required inspections carried out.” She added that Cyane Panine “is undoubtedly a victim” and that the family feels she was “used” and “suffering from her working conditions.”
The tragedy has prompted the Swiss canton of Valais to ban the use of pyrotechnic devices in all indoor public venues, and authorities have announced that each victim’s family will receive a 10,000 franc ($12,500; £9,200) emergency payment, with a fund being set up to collect donations.
Pope Leo XIV also met with the relatives of some of the victims on Thursday, expressing his deep sorrow and empathy for their loss, acknowledging the immense pain they are experiencing.
This incident has shaken the community and raised serious concerns about the need for stricter safety regulations and enforcement in the hospitality industry, particularly in high-risk environments like ski resorts. As the investigation continues, the Panine family and the wider public await justice and accountability for this preventable tragedy.
