Multiple Swiss cantons have enacted immediate bans on pyrotechnic devices in indoor public spaces following the catastrophic New Year’s Eve fire at Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana that claimed 40 lives and injured 116 people. The Valais canton announced the prohibition alongside emergency compensation of 10,000 francs ($12,500) for each victim’s family, establishing a dedicated fund to collect public donations. This decision follows similar measures in Vaud and Geneva, marking a significant shift in national safety regulations.
Investigators have determined the blaze originated when champagne bottle sparklers ignited sound-insulating foam padding on the ceiling. Authorities have confirmed the establishment had not undergone mandatory safety inspections for five years prior to the incident, raising serious questions about regulatory oversight.
The French proprietors of Le Constellation, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, now face severe legal consequences including charges of manslaughter by negligence, bodily harm by negligence, and arson by negligence. Jacques Moretti remains in custody for an initial 90-day period while his wife has surrendered her passport under strict reporting conditions.
Most victims were young adults, with eight confirmed under age 16. Eighty severely burned patients continue treatment across Swiss and European hospitals. Legal representatives for affected families have established an online testimony platform to assist the official investigation, emphasizing this complements rather than replaces judicial proceedings.
The tragedy has particularly highlighted the case of 24-year-old waitress Cyane Panine from France, seen in viral video footage moments before the fire erupted. Her family has publicly stated she merely followed employer instructions and bears no responsibility for the catastrophic outcome.