The family’s attorney alleges that a bar worker, believed to have accidentally caused the fatal New Year fire in Switzerland, received no safety training. Cyane Panine, one of the victims who perished in the incident, was reportedly unaware of the risk posed by the ignited ceiling.
The owners of Le Constellation bar, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, are facing accusations of negligence leading to manslaughter, bodily harm, and arson. The tragic event in the ski resort of Crans-Montana resulted in the loss of 40 lives and injuries to 116 individuals.
According to Sophie Haenni, the lawyer representing Panine’s family, the bar worker was not assigned to serve tables on the fateful night but was instructed to assist due to high demand. Haenni highlighted that Panine had not been informed about the ceiling’s danger or received any safety training.
Haenni emphasized that adherence to safety standards and necessary inspections could have prevented the casualties, stating that Panine was a victim of the circumstances.
The statement from Panine’s family lawyers also mentions her dissatisfaction with her working conditions, feeling exploited and lacking empathy from her employers.
The attorney’s statement expressed the family’s grief over the loss of Panine and criticized the employers for their alleged lack of understanding. No response has been provided by the lawyers for Jacques and Jessica Moretti.
Following a court decision, Jessica Moretti has been subjected to a travel ban as an alternative to pre-trial detention, while Jacques Moretti remains in custody for an initial 90-day period. Initial investigations suggest that the fire was triggered by sparklers igniting the ceiling’s soundproof foaming material.
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