A devastating fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans Montana, a popular Swiss ski resort, on New Year's Eve tragically claimed the lives of 40 people and left 116 injured, with 83 suffering severe burns. The blaze, which struck in the early hours of January 1, affected victims from various countries, including six Italians among the fatalities. At the heart of the tragedy was Cyane Panine, a 24-year-old staff member who died in the inferno. Witnesses and legal representatives suggest her death and the widespread casualties could have been avoided due to alleged negligence by the bar's owners.

The fire's ignition point has been identified as sparklers igniting soundproof foaming that lined the bar's basement ceiling. Cyane Panine was captured in video footage wearing a distinctive Dom Perignon promotional crash helmet with a black visor, significantly obscuring her vision, while being lifted onto the shoulders of in-house DJ Mateo Lesguer, 23, who also tragically died. She was carrying champagne bottles with sparklers attached as part of a stunt designed to sell champagne, a practice confirmed by bar manager Jessica Moretti as having been used for the past 10 years. Ms. Moretti stated to investigators that it was not the first time Cyane had performed this stunt and claimed Cyane did it on her own initiative to 'get the atmosphere going'. However, Cyane's family lawyer, Sophie Haenni, countered these claims, asserting that Cyane was not originally scheduled to serve tables that night but was asked by her employers to assist with high demand. Ms. Haenni emphasized that wearing the helmet and performing the stunt was 'at the request of her employers' and that Cyane was 'just doing her job' and 'simply followed the instructions given' in front of the manager.

Ms. Haenni further alleged that Cyane Panine had never been informed of the ceiling's danger and received no safety training whatsoever. This lack of preparation and awareness is highlighted as a critical factor in the unfolding disaster, as Cyane, with her field of vision drastically reduced by the helmet, was unable to see the sparklers 'touching the ceiling', as detailed in an official report. The family's legal team also revealed that Cyane 'felt used' and was 'suffering from her working conditions,' expressing 'incomprehension at the lack of empathy and understanding from her employers' regarding her workload. She had confided in her family about working 'endless days' and experiencing 'physical and emotional exhaustion' shortly before her death. Additionally, Ms. Haenni claimed Cyane had contacted the workers' protection service over her employment conditions, as the Morettis appeared reluctant to provide basic documents like an employment contract or pay a decent wage.

The bar's French owners, Jacques Moretti, 49, and Jessica Moretti, 40, have been accused by authorities of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Jacques Moretti, an ex-pimp who has served prison time for previous offenses, is currently held in custody for an initial period of 90 days, with prosecutors deeming him a flight risk. Jessica Moretti has been subjected to a travel ban, surrendering her passport and reporting to police regularly, also due to a perceived flight risk, though she is allowed to stay home to care for their two children while wearing an electronic tag. Jessica Moretti initially expressed sorrow for the 'unthinkable tragedy' but later offered a reserved apology without admitting criminal or civil liability, which Cyane's family found deeply hurtful and contradictory to her behavior. The image the Moretti family tried to project, including Jessica referring to Cyane as a 'sister' or 'step-daughter,' was refuted by Ms. Haenni, who stated there was 'no familiarity' and that Cyane and the Morettis addressed each other formally in messages.

Investigations have revealed significant safety lapses at Le Constellation bar. Authorities acknowledged that the venue had not undergone safety checks for five years. Furthermore, it was alleged that an emergency exit was locked to prevent patrons from avoiding table charges, which could have impeded escape. Cyane's parents alleged that if this door had been open, fewer deaths might have occurred. Compounding this, investigators established that 34 of the 40 victims perished on a small stairwell, the width of which Mr. Moretti had illegally reduced by a third during renovation work in 2015. Following the disaster, the Swiss canton of Valais has banned pyrotechnic devices in all indoor public venues. Authorities have also arranged for each victim to receive a 10,000 franc ($12,500; £9,200) emergency payment, with a fund being established for donations.

In response to the tragedy, Pope Leo XIV met relatives of some of the victims, including Italian families, expressing his profound grief and distress. Speaking at the Vatican, he conveyed that he was 'very moved and distraught' and recognized the immense pain and suffering endured by the bereaved. He questioned where consolation could be found equal to their experience, while also assuring them that God had not abandoned them despite the hardship. The ongoing investigation continues to piece together the full scope of events surrounding the deadly fire.