Le Constellation owners blame waitress killed in New Year’s Eve blaze for deadly fire

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 with severe burns. The owners of the Swiss resort bar, Jacques Moretti and Jessica Moretti, appeared in court recently and shockingly placed the blame for the fire on their helmet-wearing waitress, Cyane Panine, who also lost her life in the blaze.

According to reports, the Morettis claimed that Panine, wearing a black motorcycle helmet, was responsible for the fire as she climbed onto a coworker’s shoulders while holding two bottles of champagne with pyrotechnic candles. They admitted to not forbidding her from performing the stunt and failing to provide safety instructions. Panine’s family, however, revealed that she was not supposed to be working that night and was sent to the nightclub by the Morettis from their restaurant.

Despite the accusations, surviving witnesses and Panine’s family denied the claims and alleged that Jessica Moretti directed Panine to carry out the stunt using bottles and a helmet supplied by Dom Pérignon. Panine’s parents expressed disbelief at the blame placed on their daughter, describing her as spontaneous, radiant, and full of heart.

During the court proceedings, Jacques Moretti acknowledged shortcomings in fire safety at the bar, admitting that employees were not adequately trained on fire safety protocols. He also mentioned a locked service door on the ground floor of the building, which Panine and six other victims tried to escape through during the fire. The Morettis claimed that an employee delivering ice accidentally locked the door’s latch after the tragedy.

Investigators later discovered that the owners had renovated the bar in 2015 without informing local officials, including the Cantonal Fire Department. The flammable soundproofing foam installed during the renovations, believed to have accelerated the fire, was also a point of contention.

The Morettis have faced widespread backlash following the fire, with reports alleging that Jessica Moretti fled the burning venue with the cash register while victims were still inside. Despite denying all criminal and civil wrongdoing, the couple faces negligence-related charges that could result in up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

The tragic events of that New Year’s Eve serve as a stark reminder of the importance of proper safety protocols and accountability in establishments serving the public. The families of the victims continue to mourn their loved ones as they seek justice for the lives lost in the devastating fire.