In a poignant and accusatory turn amid Switzerland’s recent tragic nightclub fire, the parents of 24-year-old waitress Cyane Panine—who lost her life in the blaze that killed 40 partygoers—have publicly challenged the narrative surrounding the incident. Speaking out from their home in Bern, Astrid and Jerôme Panine claim that the emergency exit at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana was intentionally kept locked by the owners as a measure to prevent patrons from sneaking in or out without paying exorbitant table fees, potentially exacerbating the chaos and contributing to the high death toll. The fire, which erupted on New Year’s Eve 2025, has already led to manslaughter charges against the venue’s proprietors, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, but these new allegations could broaden the scope of negligence and shift public scrutiny from Panine—initially linked to starting the blaze—to systemic safety failures driven by profit motives. As investigations continue and mourning families seek accountability, the case has ignited debates on nightclub regulations across Europe, drawing comparisons to infamous disasters like the 2013 Kiss nightclub fire in Brazil. This article details the event’s chronology, victim backgrounds, parental claims, owner responses, official inquiries, and the wider societal repercussions.
The blaze ignited around midnight on December 31, 2025, transforming a festive New Year’s celebration at Le Constellation—a trendy spot in the alpine resort town of Crans-Montana—into a scene of horror. According to Vaud Cantonal Police reports, the fire began accidentally when Panine, carrying lit sparklers while perched on colleagues’ shoulders as part of a bar-directed performance, caused a “flashover” ignition. The flames rapidly consumed the wooden structure, fueled by decorations, alcohol, and overcrowded conditions. Over 200 revelers were inside, surpassing the legal capacity of 150, leading to a deadly crush as smoke billowed and visibility plummeted. Firefighters from nearby Sion arrived swiftly but faced challenges breaching the engulfed building. By morning, 40 bodies were recovered, with over 100 injured, many suffering severe burns requiring treatment at Lausanne University Hospital. Victims included teenagers, locals, and international tourists from France, Italy, and the UK, prompting cross-border condolences and support.
Cyane Panine, a Geneva native and recent hospitality school graduate, had been employed at Le Constellation for six months. Described by friends as a “ray of sunshine” with dreams of opening her own café, she was found among a pile of bodies near the rear emergency exit. Her boyfriend and bar owner Jacques Moretti reportedly dragged her out and attempted CPR for over an hour before paramedics declared her deceased. Panine’s burial in Sète, France, on January 7, 2026, drew emotional tributes, with her parents emphasizing her vibrant personality amid their grief.
The Panines’ allegations center on the locked emergency door, which they say was a deliberate policy to curb “bill dodging.” In an exclusive interview with The Sun, Astrid Panine stated: “Jacques had closed the emergency exit because he was afraid people would come in without paying. The tables cost 1,000 euros. And if you can’t even put a guard at that door… If the door had been open, maybe there wouldn’t have been deaths.” Jerôme added: “There’s a time for sadness and a time for accountability and anger. I think the anger will quickly take over.” They argue that without this barrier, evacuation could have saved lives, including Cyane’s, who was trapped while trying to assist others. Former staff, speaking anonymously to Swiss media like Le Temps, corroborated that management often latched exits during peak hours to prevent unauthorized entry or exits, a practice allegedly common in cost-conscious venues but illegal under Swiss fire codes requiring unobstructed egress.
The Morettis, who owned Le Constellation and treated Panine “like a stepdaughter”—even hosting her for Christmas—have faced immediate backlash. Jacques, 52, is in custody on charges of manslaughter by negligence, deemed a flight risk and facing at least three months in detention before a March 2026 trial. In a statement via lawyers, the couple expressed “profound sorrow” and denied intentional wrongdoing: “The emergency door was operational; any suggestion otherwise is misinformation spread in grief.” Jacques admitted the door was latched from inside but claimed ignorance of why, recounting his discovery of bodies piled against it post-fire. Jessica, under investigation, reportedly fled the scene with the cash till, an action prosecutors are scrutinizing for potential evidence tampering. The couple’s other businesses in Lausanne have seen boycotts, with patrons citing safety concerns.
Authorities have responded swiftly. The Swiss Federal Office for Civil Protection and Vaud police confirmed the door was padlocked upon arrival, launching a manslaughter probe into the Morettis for negligence, overcrowding, and code violations. Lead investigator Henri Duval told RTS: “We are examining all factors, including exit accessibility and capacity breaches.” Toxicology and autopsy reports are pending, but early findings point to smoke inhalation as the primary cause of death. A class-action lawsuit by victims’ families, including the Panines, is underway, represented by attorney Marie Laurent, who declared: “This wasn’t an accident; it was preventable greed.”
Survivor accounts paint a vivid picture of terror. One anonymous patron told AFP: “We rushed to the back door, but it wouldn’t budge—people were crushing each other, screaming for air.” Another, treated for burns, described Panine heroically waving people toward exits before being overcome. A silent procession of 2,000 mourners in Crans-Montana on January 2 honored the victims, with flags at half-mast nationwide.
The incident has broader echoes in Europe’s nightlife safety debates. Switzerland, known for stringent regulations, mandates multiple unlocked exits and fire suppressants, but enforcement varies in tourist-heavy areas like Valais canton. Experts like ETH Zurich’s Dr. Elena Vogel warn: “Overcrowding and cost-cutting are recipes for disaster— we’ve seen it in Grenfell and Colectiv.” The 2016 Romanian club fire, killing 64 due to similar issues, led to reforms; advocates hope this prompts federal mandates for real-time capacity monitoring and staff training.
Public outrage has been fierce. Protests outside Le Constellation demanded “Justice for Cyane,” with women’s groups like the Swiss Feminist Collective highlighting exploitation of young service workers. Mayor Grégoire Junod of Lausanne declared three days of mourning, while international leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, offered aid. Conservative media like the New York Post labeled it “greed’s deadly lock,” while Fox News debated business regulations. MSNBC focused on worker rights, noting Panine’s low wage amid high-risk duties.
For the Panines, the fight continues. “She was our light; now we seek truth,” Astrid said. As Bruno’s unrelated soccer saga unfolds elsewhere, this Swiss tragedy underscores universal themes: the human cost of negligence. If the allegations hold, reforms could follow, ensuring no more locked doors in the name of profit. For now, as trials loom, Crans-Montana heals, but the scars—and questions—remain.
