The bar owner of the tragic Swiss New Year fire incident, where 40 individuals lost their lives and 116 were injured, shared a heartbreaking account of his efforts to save a beloved waitress during the blaze. Jacques Moretti, deeply affected by the event, rushed to Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana upon receiving a distress call from his wife, Jessica, in the early hours of New Year’s Day. Both now facing charges related to the incident, they cooperated with investigators before Mr. Moretti was taken into custody.
According to statements given to authorities, Mr. Moretti recounted his desperate attempts to revive a waitress named Cyane P, whom he considered like his own child, along with her boyfriend. Despite their efforts lasting over an hour, paramedics eventually declared her passing. Jessica expressed her devastation over the loss of Cyane, emphasizing her closeness to the family and the difficulty in coping.
The tragedy unfolded when a fire broke out in the bar’s basement, suspected to have been ignited by champagne bottles with attached party sparklers placed too close to flammable insulation foam. The rapid spread of the fire led to a critical situation, prompting the evacuation of patrons and a distressing rescue operation by Mr. Moretti and others.
The investigation is now focusing on safety protocols at the bar, which underwent substantial renovations by the Moretti family after its purchase in 2015. Despite efforts to maintain safety standards, critical aspects like fire safety training for staff and the absence of an automatic sprinkler system are under scrutiny. Mr. Moretti stressed that they had strict age policies for entry but acknowledged the possibility of occasional lapses.
As the community mourns the loss of 40 lives, including young children, the Moretti family faces a tumultuous legal battle while grappling with the emotional aftermath of the tragedy. Despite their cooperation with authorities and expressions of remorse and sympathy towards the victims and their families, the road ahead remains uncertain for the bar owners and the broader community affected by the devastating event.