In the most detailed account so far of the New Year’s Day tragedy in Switzerland, the co-owner of a bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana has described the moment he discovered unconscious victims following a devastating fire. Around 40 people, including 20 children, died in the blaze at the Le Constellation bar in the early hours of 1 January, while 116 others were injured. Many victims were airlifted to specialist burns units across the country. Investigators believe sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited the basement ceiling, allowing the fire to spread rapidly.
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The bar’s owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, have been charged with manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence and arson by negligence. Speaking to prosecutors before being placed in custody on Friday, Mr Moretti, 49, recalled arriving at the scene to find the venue filled with smoke and inaccessible through the main entrance. After forcing open a locked door at the rear of the building with the help of others, he said they encountered a pile of people lying unconscious on the floor.
Among the victims was 24-year-old waitress Cyane Panine, whom the couple reportedly regarded as part of their family. Ms Moretti told investigators that she had been inside the bar when the fire broke out at around 1.30am as revellers welcomed the New Year. She said she noticed an orange glow in one corner of the room, shouted for everyone to leave and alerted the fire brigade before calling her husband to return immediately from another restaurant the couple own.
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According to prosecutors, Mr Moretti attempted to resuscitate Ms Panine for more than an hour before emergency services confirmed she had died. Both owners expressed deep distress during their statements, describing the loss as devastating and saying they felt a profound sense of responsibility. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire is ongoing.
