Swiss authorities confirmed the identity of Cyane Panine as one of the 40 fatal victims of the fire that occurred in the Le Constellation bar, in The young French woman worked there and was carrying pyrotechnic candles attached to champagne bottles when sparks hit the ceiling covered in flammable material. The fire spread quickly at around 1:30 am local time on January 1, 2026, also causing more than 115 injuries.
Cyane was considered part of the family by the establishment’s owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti. Ela followed their instructions by participating in the celebration with candles on a colleague’s shoulders. The young woman was identified after analyzing documents and transcripts of initial interrogations.
The incident turned the Ano Novo celebration into a tragedy at the alpine ski resort. Testemunhas reported that the fire started in the ceiling and spread within minutes, making it difficult to evacuate the crowded place.
Investigation pinpoints origin of fire
Investigators identified spark plugs as the initial cause of the fire. The flames quickly reached the upper structure of the bar, made of highly flammable acoustic foam. Autoridades now analyze whether there were errors in the choice of decoration materials.
Bar Le Constellation had not undergone a full safety inspection for at least five years. Relatórios Preliminaries indicate that service doors were locked from the inside, which complicated emergency exits. Equipes rescuers faced additional difficulties due to dense smoke and panic among those present.
Jacques Moretti has remained in pre-trial detention since January 9th. The measure was adopted due to the risk of flight, in accordance with the decision of the prosecutor’s office in the canton of Valais. Ele faces possible charges of negligent homicide and serious bodily injury.
Owner history
Jacques Moretti has a criminal record registered with França for more than 20 years. Previous Condenações include sexual exploitation and kidnapping, with sentences served in 2008. The information appears in court records accessed during the current investigation.
Jessica Moretti was seen by witnesses leaving the scene with the contents of the cash register during the fire. Ela is also the target of a criminal investigation with her husband. The couple had managed the bar for years in the tourist area.
- Background includes pimping proceedings in França
- Three-month preventive detention for Jacques
- Investigation covers negligence in safety standards
- Witnesses confirm instructions for using pyrotechnic candles
Context of Crans-Montana
Crans-Montana is one of the main ski resorts in Switzerland, known for attracting international tourists during the winter. The place combines top-notch ski slopes with nightly events in bars and restaurants. The tragedy occurred during high season, with a large presence of foreign visitors.
The Le Constellation bar served as a central party spot in the region. Frequentado by skiers and local residents, the establishment offered themed celebrations on special dates. The internal structure favored acoustics, but used materials that were now questioned regarding their fire resistance.
The local community organized tributes to the victims in the following days. Esquiadores made silent descents on the tracks as a sign of mourning. Autoridades regions declared a national minute of silence on January 9th.
Identification of victims
The process of identifying the 40 fatal victims was recently concluded. Equipes forensics used DNA tests and personal documents to confirm names. Muitas victims were young people, with an average age of less than 30 years, present at Ano Novo’s party.
Among the injured, more than 80 remain hospitalized with serious burns. Hospitais in the region and nearby cities received the most critical cases. Tratamentos include skin grafts and prolonged respiratory support.
- 40 deaths officially confirmed
- 116 injuries reported, most with burns
- Victims of various nationalities, including French and Portuguese
- Six initially unidentified cases were resolved
Cyane Panine had worked at the bar for months and was described as dedicated by colleagues. Fotos published shows the young woman wearing a protective helmet while carrying bottles with lit candles. Her participation followed the routine established by the owners to liven up the party.
Security measures under analysis
Swiss authorities review standards for the use of pyrotechnics in closed environments. The case exposed risks associated with spark plugs in places with low ceilings and synthetic materials. Inspeções surprises were announced for other establishments in the region.
The canton of Valais reinforced inspections of bars and nightclubs in tourist areas. Medidas include mandatory checking of emergency exits and limitations on flammable decorations. Proprietários must now submit updated evacuation plans.
The tragedy sparked debates about civil liability in large-scale events. Especialistas indicate the need for specific training for employees in risk situations. The investigation continues in the phase of collecting additional statements.
Impact on the ski resort
Crans-Montana saw an immediate drop in tourist traffic following the incident. Hotéis and nearby restaurants reported mass cancellations in the first few weeks. The image of a safe destination suffered a temporary shock among regular visitors.
Track operators maintained normal activities, but with reduced presence. Eventos scheduled for January were postponed or canceled out of respect for the victims. Recovery now depends on the results of the official investigation.
Local residents participated in collective vigils on central streets. Velas were lit in memory of the deceased, without the use of pyrotechnics. Solidarity was also expressed through donations to affected families.
The case of Le Constellation serves as a warning for similar establishments in Alpes. Regulamentos Europeans on safety in public places gain renewed attention. Autoridades promise full report in the coming weeks.
