Swiss Nightclub Owners Blame Deceased Waitress for Fatal New Year's Eve Fire
The owners of a Swiss resort nightclub where 40 people perished in a devastating New Year's Eve blaze have shifted responsibility to their waitress, who was among the victims. Jacques Moretti, 49, and his wife Jessica Moretti, 40, appeared in court last week facing charges related to the deadly fire at Le Constellation nightclub in Crans-Montana.
"It's Not Us, It's the Others"
When questioned about who was responsible for starting the inferno, the couple reportedly told prosecutors, "It's not us, it's the others," according to French newspaper Le Parisien. The Morettis, charged with "homicide, injuries and arson by negligence," specifically blamed their 24-year-old waitress, Cyane Panine, for sparking the tragedy.
Jacques Moretti told the court that Panine, wearing a black motorcycle helmet, climbed onto a coworker's shoulders while holding two bottles of champagne topped with pyrotechnic candles known as "magic fountains." Jessica Moretti added that the young waitress "liked to deliver these bottles, she did it of her own accord."
Family Counters Owners' Claims
Panine's family has strongly disputed the owners' version of events. They revealed that their daughter was not originally scheduled to work that night but was sent by the Morettis from their restaurant to the nightclub. According to The Standard, Panine had complained to her family about:
- Being forced to work long hours without breaks
- Feeling physically and mentally exhausted
- Being told to stay on the ground floor greeting guests
Surviving witnesses and the waitress's family allege that Jessica Moretti, who was managing the club that night, directed Panine to perform the stunt using bottles and a helmet supplied by Dom Pérignon to "get the atmosphere going."
Grieving Parents Speak Out
"I cannot accept that my daughter is remembered only as the girl with the helmet, with flares in her hands," said Panine's father, Jerome Panine. Her mother, Astrid Panine, described her daughter as "spontaneous, radiant, and full of heart" who "trusted people without the slightest suspicion. She paid the ultimate price for this with her life."
Safety Failures and Locked Exit
In court, Jacques Moretti acknowledged shortcomings in fire safety procedures, stating "There was no training, but employees were told what steps to take in case of fire when they were shown around the premises." When confronted with claims that a worker didn't know where fire extinguishers were located, he admitted, "Maybe I forgot to give this information... Maybe I forgot."
A critical service door on the ground floor was found locked from the inside during the fire - the same door Panine and six other victims tried to escape through. Jacques Moretti claimed an employee delivering ice closed the door's top latch after the tragedy without understanding why, texting the worker "You shouldn't run away, you should stay here and take responsibility." The employee denied the allegation, saying "I didn't close a door that was already locked."
Unauthorized Renovations and Flammable Materials
Investigators discovered the owners had renovated the bar in 2015 without informing local officials, including the Cantonal Fire Department. The Morettis claimed the flammable soundproofing foam installed during renovations - believed to have accelerated the fire - was approved by fire officials and acoustic experts.
Public Backlash and Additional Allegations
The couple has faced widespread criticism since the fire, particularly after reports alleged that surveillance footage showed Jessica Moretti escaping the burning venue with the cash register while victims remained inside. "I accept what's being said about us, even if it's false. It's nothing compared to what the families are going through," Jacques Moretti said, adding "We are also victims, but not to the same degree. Losing a child is the worst thing that can happen."
Legal Consequences
The Morettis have denied all criminal and civil wrongdoing while facing negligence-related charges tied to 40 deaths and severe burns to more than 100 others. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in prison for their alleged role in one of Switzerland's deadliest nightclub fires in recent history.
