Swiss Nightclub Owners Blame Waitress in Deadly Fire as Families Demand Accountability

The owners of the Swiss nightclub Le Constellation faced a tense hearing this week as families of the 41 victims demanded accountability for the New Year's Day fire. Jacques Moretti, 49, and his wife Jessica Moretti, 40, attended the session in Sion, their hands clasped as they arrived under heavy scrutiny. Prosecutors grilled them for over 20 hours, seeking clarity on how many people flooded into the club's basement—where the fire erupted—and whether they violated safety laws. The couple's defense has centered on blaming waitress Cyane Panine, 24, whose death in the blaze has become a flashpoint for the families.

The Morettis claimed Cyane, who wore a promotional crash helmet, was responsible for the disaster. They argued she performed a stunt with champagne bottles containing lit sparklers while sitting on a colleague's shoulders. Videos show the moment, with the sparklers igniting the flammable foam on the ceiling. But Cyane's family and witnesses dispute this, accusing the Morettis of pressuring her to carry out the act. Sophie Haenni, Cyane's lawyer, said the couple had instructed her to descend to the basement to assist with serving, despite knowing the ceiling was a danger zone. 'She was never informed of the risk,' Haenni said. 'She just followed orders.'

The Morettis' claims have drawn fierce opposition. Leila Micheloud, whose two daughters were injured, told reporters, 'We're waiting for answers. We're not asking for anything more—just the truth.' The families are pushing for stricter regulations on nightclubs, citing the lack of safety training and the use of flammable materials. One survivor described the basement as a 'death trap,' with no clear exit signs and overcrowded conditions. Swiss federal prosecutors have issued over 50 warrants, and the case file includes 2,000 pages of evidence.

Jessica Moretti, who escaped the club quickly, has faced criticism for her actions. Witnesses say she left with the till, while others remained trapped. 'She knew the stunt was happening regularly,' one survivor said. 'Yet she didn't stop it.' The Morettis face charges of manslaughter, arson, and negligence, with up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Their lawyer, Yael Hayat, said they are 'empathetic' but 'isolated' by the legal process, which forbids direct communication with victims' families.

The fire has exposed gaping holes in Switzerland's nightlife safety laws. Fabrizio Ventimiglia, an Italian lawyer, called for reforms on alcohol sales to minors and crowd control measures. The government has pledged a 'solidarity contribution' to help victims' families, but many argue that stricter enforcement of existing laws could have prevented the tragedy. The memorial for the victims, which caught fire itself, now bans candles—a painful reminder of how regulations—or their absence—can shape public safety.

Cyane's family revealed she had complained of 'relentless' work conditions and a lack of empathy from her employers. She had even contacted Swiss labor protection services, but the Morettis reportedly withheld her employment contract and wages. 'In 2025, she told us she was exhausted,' said Haenni. 'She couldn't understand why they didn't care.' The tragedy has ignited a nationwide debate on corporate accountability and the cost of cutting corners in public spaces.