The partner of a waitress who tragically lost her life in a devastating fire at a Swiss bar during New Year celebrations shared his desperate attempts to rescue her. Cyane Panine, 24, was fatally caught in the inferno while holding champagne bottles with sparklers, wearing a helmet just moments before the fire erupted.
Referred to as ‘the girl in the helmet,’ Cyane was atop her colleague’s shoulders with the drinks when the fire broke out at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana. Her boyfriend, Jean-Marc G, disclosed heartbreaking details of his efforts to save her during the blaze and also shed light on her relationship with the bar’s owners.
During the investigation into the fatal incident that claimed 41 lives and injured 116, it was revealed that Jean-Marc, in his 30s, was considered like an “adoptive son” to the bar owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, who are facing charges of manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson due to negligence.
Jean-Marc clarified that he was not an official employee at the nightclub but occasionally performed odd jobs like fixing broken equipment. Recalling the tragic event, he mentioned being directed by Mr. Moretti when the fire broke out and discovering Cyane in distress.
The boyfriend narrated how they both tirelessly attempted to save Cyane, resorting to CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, with Mrs. Moretti eventually calling a doctor to assist. Contrary to claims by Cyane’s family and lawyer about exploitation, Jean-Marc portrayed a positive rapport between the waitress and the bar owners, indicating that she had even spent Christmas with them.
Investigations pointed to the likelihood of the fire starting when the sparklers ignited the soundproof foam on the basement ceiling, which had not undergone safety testing for several years and was reportedly installed by Mr. Moretti. The blame seemed to be shifted onto the deceased waitress by the owners, who stated that it was her decision to climb onto her colleague’s shoulders.
Mrs. Moretti defended Cyane’s actions, stating that she willingly engaged in delivering the bottles and had done so previously. The Morettis expressed their grief over the loss of Cyane, describing her as almost part of their family in a tribute following the tragic incident.
In response, Cyane’s parents criticized the Morettis, accusing them of making false statements to avoid responsibility and denying any knowledge of the risks associated with the foam or the encouragement of staff to use sparklers.
