The tragic fire at the Le Constellation nightclub in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, on New Year’s Eve claimed the lives of 40 people and left more than 100 others injured. The owners of the venue, Jacques Moretti and Jessica Moretti, appeared in court last week to face charges of “homicide, injuries, and arson by negligence.” They shockingly tried to shift the blame onto their young waitress, Cyane Panine, who tragically lost her life in the blaze.
According to reports, the Morettis claimed that Panine, wearing a motorcycle helmet, was responsible for starting the fire by holding two bottles of champagne with pyrotechnic candles on top. They admitted that they did not give her any safety instructions and allowed her to perform the dangerous stunt because she enjoyed it.
However, Panine’s family revealed that she was not even supposed to be working that night but was sent to the nightclub by the Morettis. They alleged that she was forced to work long hours without breaks and expressed feeling physically and mentally exhausted. The family also claimed that Jessica Moretti encouraged Panine to wear the helmet and carry out the stunt using bottles and a helmet provided by Dom Pérignon.
Witnesses and Panine’s family strongly denied the accusations made by the Morettis, stating that she was directed to perform the stunt by the manager, Jessica Moretti, using equipment supplied by the bar. Panine’s parents emphasized that their daughter was a vibrant and trusting individual who paid the ultimate price for her trust in others.
During the court proceedings, Jacques Moretti admitted to shortcomings in fire safety at the venue, acknowledging that employees were not properly trained on fire safety procedures. He also mentioned a locked service door on the ground floor, which Panine and other victims tried to escape through during the fire. The owners claimed that the door was accidentally locked by an employee delivering ice, but the employee denied the allegation.
Investigators found that the owners had renovated the bar without informing local officials, including the fire department, which could have contributed to the fire’s intensity. The Morettis also faced backlash for reports alleging that Jessica Moretti escaped the burning venue with the cash register while victims were still inside.
Despite facing criminal charges and the possibility of up to 20 years in prison if convicted, the Morettis have denied any wrongdoing. They maintained that they are also victims in this tragedy, although they acknowledged the immense loss suffered by the families of the victims. The case continues to unfold as the investigation into the deadly fire at Le Constellation nightclub progresses.
