The bar owner at the center of the tragic Swiss New Year fire incident, where 40 individuals lost their lives and 116 were injured, shared the heartbreaking account of his futile attempts to save a beloved waitress who perished in the blaze. Jacques Moretti, deeply affected by what he described as the most devastating event of his life, rushed to Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana upon receiving a distress call from his wife Jessica as the fire erupted in the early hours of New Year’s Day. Both Jacques and Jessica, now facing charges related to the incident, provided detailed statements to investigators before Jacques was taken into custody.
According to information from BFM TV, Jacques expressed his sorrow to authorities, revealing his efforts to resuscitate a waitress, identified as Cyane P, for over an hour alongside her boyfriend before being informed by paramedics that it was too late. Cyane, a 24-year-old employee at the bar, was described as a cherished member of their close-knit circle. Jessica, deeply shaken by the tragedy, expressed her devastation over the loss of Cyane, whom she considered like a younger sister, emphasizing the emotional toll of the event.
The investigation into the fire’s cause centers on a theory that champagne bottles with attached party sparklers ignited flammable foam in the bar’s basement, triggering a rapid and intense blaze. Reports suggest that the foam material may have led to a flashover, where the entire room ignites simultaneously. Jacques detailed the chaotic scene upon his arrival at the bar, describing smoke-filled premises and the harrowing efforts to rescue unconscious individuals trapped inside.
The tragic incident, which claimed the lives of 40 people, including young teenagers, has raised questions about safety protocols at the bar. Jacques and Jessica mentioned their efforts to enforce age restrictions and safety measures but acknowledged the possibility of occasional lapses. They highlighted the brief burn time of the sparklers, intended for harmless table displays, and emphasized their routine safety practices regarding sparkler disposal.
As the investigation unfolds, scrutiny is directed towards the bar’s operational standards and safety features, particularly the renovations carried out by the Morettis after acquiring the establishment in 2015. Jacques mentioned external contracts for electrical and ventilation systems, as well as the presence of marked exits but admitted to the absence of an automatic sprinkler system and inadequate fire safety training for staff.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Morettis expressed their profound sorrow and pledged cooperation with authorities. With a diverse group of nationalities among the victims, the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating fire. Jacques’ father, Jean, spoke of the family’s anguish and commitment to facing the legal consequences, emphasizing their respectability and dedication to supporting the victims and their families through this challenging time.