A tragic incident unfolded in Switzerland as a bar worker, believed to have unintentionally triggered a fatal fire on New Year’s, had reportedly not received any safety training, according to statements made by her family’s attorney.
Identified as Cyane Panine, the 24-year-old was captured on camera wearing a helmet and holding champagne bottles with sparklers while sitting on a colleague’s shoulders. Tragically, Panine, one of the 40 individuals who perished in the fire, was allegedly unaware of the flammable ceiling that led to the disaster.
Legal authorities have leveled accusations against the French owners of Le Constellation bar, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, citing charges of negligence leading to manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson. The devastating blaze in the ski resort of Crans-Montana claimed the lives of 40 victims and left 116 others injured.
Sophie Haenni, the legal representative for Panine’s family, disclosed that Panine was not scheduled for table service on the fateful night but was instead asked to assist with the high demand in the bar. Haenni emphasized that Panine had not been briefed on the ceiling’s fire risk and had not undergone any safety training.
The legal counsel further asserted that had proper safety protocols, particularly regarding materials and inspections, been followed, the tragic outcome could have been averted. Panine was portrayed as a victim of the circumstances due to the alleged negligence on the part of the bar’s management.
The family’s statement also highlighted Panine’s dissatisfaction with her working conditions, claiming she felt exploited and lacked empathy from her employers regarding her workload.
The attorney’s statement expressed profound grief over the loss of Panine, describing her as a beloved individual who was taken away tragically. The legal representatives for Jacques and Jessica Moretti were approached by the BBC for a response.
In a related development, a travel ban was imposed on Jessica Moretti by a Swiss court as an alternative to pre-trial detention, while Jacques Moretti remains in custody for an initial 90-day period. Initial investigations into the fire indicated that it was likely sparked by the ignition of soundproof foam lining the ceiling by the champagne bottle sparklers.