Bosses of a Swiss bar where 40 individuals perished in a New Year’s fire have recounted the tragic death of a waitress they considered like family. According to Jacques and Jessica Moretti, Cyane Panine met her demise in a harrowing manner, suffocating amidst a mass of bodies behind a locked door at Le Constellation in the ski resort of Crans-Montana.
The catastrophic incident unfolded during the early hours of January 1 as Ms. Panine, at the encouragement of Ms. Moretti, was enhancing the ambiance at the bar by adding sparklers to champagne bottles and engaging in celebratory activities with other staff members. Unfortunately, these festivities inadvertently triggered a fire that led to the deaths of 40 people and severe injuries to 116 others.
Jacques Moretti, 49, revealed that he had to forcibly open the basement door to rescue Ms. Panine, who was found on the brink of death amidst the chaos. Subsequently, it was discovered that the service door had been locked from the inside, a detail that became apparent only after the tragedy.
The tragic loss of Ms. Panine deeply affected the Morettis, who regarded her as a cherished member of their extended family. Despite their efforts to resuscitate her, she passed away shortly after the incident. The couple, now facing potential legal repercussions including manslaughter charges, expressed their devastation over the events that transpired at their establishment.
The investigation into the fire, which claimed the lives of mostly teenagers, including a 14-year-old boy, is ongoing. Questions have emerged regarding the presence of underage patrons at the bar, despite the Morettis’ policy prohibiting individuals under 16 and requiring supervision for those aged 16 to 18.
As the community mourns the loss of Ms. Panine and grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, the Morettis maintain their innocence and await further developments in the investigation. The funeral of Ms. Panine, who was remembered as a beloved individual with a promising future, took place in her hometown, while her family continues to seek answers about the circumstances surrounding her untimely demise.