The grieving parents of a server who was captured holding sparklers with a helmet on just before the tragic incident at a Swiss bar have criticized those who are pointing fingers at their daughter for the fire.
Cyane Panine, known as ‘the girl in the helmet’, was filmed wearing a helmet and carrying champagne bottles with lit sparklers. The 24-year-old French citizen was one of the 40 individuals who lost their lives in the fire on New Year’s Day. Over 100 others sustained injuries, with many still hospitalized due to severe burns.
Investigators believe the fireworks set off combustible soundproofing foam on the bar’s low ceiling at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana, leading to a rapid blaze that engulfed the establishment within 45 seconds.
Characterizing Cyane as “spontaneous, radiant, and kind-hearted,” her 64-year-old mother mentioned that she had a trusting nature, which ultimately cost her life.
The waitress’s 59-year-old father, a water conservation expert, expressed his discontent with his daughter being remembered solely as the girl with the helmet and sparklers.
Footage shows Ms. Panine being carried on a colleague’s shoulders through the crowded bar, holding sparklers in both hands. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the fire quickly spread, trapping partygoers inside.
Bar proprietors Jacques and Jessica Moretti are currently facing criminal investigations for negligent homicide. Allegations include the locking of crucial emergency exits and the installation of flammable ceiling foam by Mr. Moretti without proper safety checks. Local authorities confirmed that the bar had not undergone a fire safety inspection since 2019.
Following the fire, the Morettis described Cyane as almost part of their family; however, the waitress’s parents criticized their remarks, accusing the owners of making misleading statements to avoid responsibility. The couple denies any knowledge of the foam’s risks or the encouragement of staff to use sparklers.
Jacques Moretti was released on bail of 200,000 francs (£190,000) after being sentenced to three months in custody due to his criminal history. Jessica Moretti is prohibited from leaving Switzerland while the investigation is ongoing.
A legal representative for the couple stated that they will cooperate with all requests from the authorities.