A tragic incident occurred in Switzerland at the start of the New Year when a bar worker unintentionally set off a fire that claimed the lives of 40 people. The worker, identified as Cyane Panine, was reportedly not provided with any safety training and was unaware of the risk posed by the ceiling that caught fire during the incident.
Authorities have leveled accusations against the bar’s owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, for various charges including manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. The fire, which took place in the Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana, resulted in the death of 40 individuals and left 116 others injured.
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 asked to assist with the high demand. Haenni emphasized that Panine followed instructions given by the manager, Jessica Moretti, without being informed about the danger posed by the ceiling or receiving any safety training.
Haenni further pointed out that adherence to safety standards and required inspections could have prevented the casualties, asserting that Panine was a victim of the circumstances. The statement from Panine’s family lawyers also highlighted her dissatisfaction with the working conditions and the lack of empathy from her employers.
The tragic incident has led to legal actions, including a travel ban imposed on Jessica Moretti as an alternative to pre-trial detention, while Jacques Moretti remains in custody pending further investigations. Initial findings suggest that the fire was caused by sparklers igniting the soundproof foaming lining the ceiling.
