The bar owner involved in the tragic Swiss New Year fire incident, which claimed the lives of 40 individuals and left 116 injured, shared his harrowing experience of trying to save a beloved waitress for over an hour during the blaze. Jacques Moretti, deeply affected by what he described as “the tragedy of my life,” hurried to Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana upon receiving a distress call from his wife, Jessica, in the early hours of New Year’s Day. Both now facing charges related to the incident, they provided detailed testimonies to investigators before Mr. Moretti was taken into custody.
According to BFM TV, Mr. Moretti recounted his desperate efforts to revive the 24-year-old waitress, known as Cyane P, who he considered like his own child. Despite their attempts, the paramedics eventually declared her death. Jessica expressed her devastation over the loss, stating that Cyane was like a sister to her and had even spent Christmas with their family. Mr. Moretti expressed his sense of responsibility for not being able to protect all the victims, lamenting the tragic outcome.
The investigation into the fire tragedy, believed to have started in the bar’s basement due to champagne bottles with attached sparklers igniting foam insulation, is focusing on safety measures at the establishment. Mr. Moretti mentioned the renovations they had undertaken to the bar since acquiring it in 2015, including replacing ceiling foam. He highlighted the presence of fire extinguishers but admitted the lack of a sprinkler system and specific fire safety training for staff.
The couple’s accounts of the events unfolded, revealing the chaos and efforts made to rescue individuals trapped in the bar as the fire rapidly spread. The tragic incident, which claimed the lives of 40 people, including minors, has left a deep impact on the community, with ongoing support for the victims and their families.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the Moretti family continues to cooperate with the authorities, emphasizing their commitment to facing the legal process with integrity. Mr. Moretti’s father, Jean, expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy, asserting their willingness to accept responsibility and seek justice for the victims. The community remains in mourning, grappling with the aftermath of the devastating fire incident.