A tragic incident in Switzerland where a bar worker inadvertently caused a fatal fire on New Year’s Day has raised concerns about the lack of safety training provided to the employee. The worker, identified as Cyane Panine, was among the victims of the blaze that claimed 40 lives. It is alleged that Panine, who was seen holding champagne bottles with sparklers attached while sitting on a colleague’s shoulders, was unaware of the fire risk posed by the ceiling that caught fire.
Authorities have accused the French owners of Le Constellation bar, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, of multiple charges including manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson due to negligence. The fire, which occurred in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, resulted in the death of 40 individuals and injuries to 116 others.
According to Sophie Haenni, the lawyer representing Panine’s family, the bar worker was not supposed to be serving tables on the night of the fire but was instructed to assist due to high demand. Haenni stated that Panine followed instructions without being informed about the danger posed by the ceiling and without receiving safety training.
Haenni emphasized that had proper safety standards been followed, including material inspections, the casualties could have been prevented, portraying Panine as a victim of the unfortunate incident. The family’s statement also highlighted Panine’s discontent with her working conditions and the lack of empathy from her employers.
The lawyers for Panine’s family expressed the deep loss felt by Panine’s loved ones, describing her as a wonderful person taken away from them. While Jessica Moretti is under a travel ban as an alternative to pre-trial detention, Jacques Moretti remains in custody for a 90-day period. Initial investigations suggest that the fire was ignited by sparklers setting fire to soundproof foam lining the ceiling.