Swiss Nightclub Fire: Families Angry at Owners

A fire at a Swiss nightclub on New Year's Eve killed 41 people and hurt 115. Families are very sad and angry and have confronted the club's owners. Police are looking into why the fire started.
By Newsroom | Accidents, Switzerland |

A fire at the "Le Constellation" nightclub in Switzerland on New Year's Eve resulted in the deaths of 41 individuals and left 115 injured. Following the tragedy, grieving families have voiced their anguish and directed their anger towards the club's owners during hearings.

The incident occurred shortly after midnight on January 1, 2026, at the basement venue in Crans-Montana. The blaze, which investigators believe was ignited by sparklers attached to champagne bottles, spread rapidly due to flammable ceiling foam. Among the victims were several teenagers.

Furious families ATTACK owners of Swiss inferno nightclub where youngsters burned to death: Terror is etched on female manager's face as parents scream 'you killed my son - you'll pay for this' - 1

The initial reports suggest a chain of events beginning with a celebratory sparkler stunt that quickly escalated into a fatal inferno.

Account of Events and Immediate Aftermath

  • Timeline: The fire broke out on New Year's Eve, 2026, shortly after midnight.

  • Location: "Le Constellation" nightclub, Crans-Montana, Switzerland.

  • Fatalities: 41 individuals.

  • Injuries: 115 individuals.

  • Investigated Cause: Sparklers on champagne bottles igniting flammable ceiling material.

Family Grief and Confrontations

In the days following the fire, family members of the victims have expressed profound sorrow and anger. At a hearing on February 12, 2026, at the Office of the Public Prosecutor of the Canton of Valais in Sion, several parents confronted the nightclub's co-owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti.

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Furious families ATTACK owners of Swiss inferno nightclub where youngsters burned to death: Terror is etched on female manager's face as parents scream 'you killed my son - you'll pay for this' - 2

  • Public Outbursts: Parents were heard screaming at the Morettis, with phrases such as "you killed my son – you'll pay for this" being reported.

  • Demands for Apology: The brother of 17-year-old victim Trystan reportedly demanded an apology from Jessica Moretti, stating, "We want Jessica Moretti to apologise." He also allegedly attempted to physically confront her.

  • Emotional Distress: Witnesses described terror on the face of a female manager during these confrontations. Trystan's younger brother, Tobyas, expressed that "What happened isn't normal."

The public confrontation highlights the raw grief and the immediate search for accountability from those perceived as responsible.

Role of Staff and Victims

Information has emerged regarding the circumstances leading up to the fire and the identities of some individuals involved.

Furious families ATTACK owners of Swiss inferno nightclub where youngsters burned to death: Terror is etched on female manager's face as parents scream 'you killed my son - you'll pay for this' - 3

  • Waitress Cyane Panine: Cyane, aged 24, a waitress at the club, perished in the fire. Her family reported she had expressed feeling physically and emotionally exhausted from working tirelessly. Video evidence shows her on a colleague's shoulders, holding champagne bottles with sparklers shortly before the blaze. Her stepfather, Mr. Moretti, recounted finding her dying.

  • Victim Demographics: Victims identified included teenagers, with reported ages ranging from 16 to 21. An Italian golf star was also among the deceased.

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The accounts of staff exhaustion and the use of sparklers by a staff member introduce layers of complexity regarding operational procedures and individual actions contributing to the incident.

Official Investigation

Swiss prosecutors are actively investigating the incident. The Morettis have been questioned multiple times as part of this probe.

Furious families ATTACK owners of Swiss inferno nightclub where youngsters burned to death: Terror is etched on female manager's face as parents scream 'you killed my son - you'll pay for this' - 4

  • Focus of Inquiry: The investigation centers on the events that led to the fire and the safety measures, or lack thereof, in place at "Le Constellation."

  • Allegations: Some accounts suggest that the flammable ceiling foam was ignited by a champagne sparkler stunt, potentially performed by a waitress.

The ongoing investigation aims to establish a definitive sequence of events and identify any negligence that may have contributed to the fatal outcome.

Expert Analysis

  • While not directly quoting experts, the provided data implies a need for thorough examination of venue safety regulations, staff training protocols, and the specific circumstances surrounding the use of pyrotechnics in crowded indoor spaces. The intensity of family reactions suggests a strong perception of negligence.

Conclusion

The fire at "Le Constellation" has resulted in a significant loss of life and has ignited intense public grief and anger directed at the nightclub's owners. The ongoing investigation by Swiss authorities will seek to clarify the precise causes of the blaze and determine any legal responsibilities. The emotional distress of the families, as evidenced by their direct confrontations, underscores the urgent need for answers and a sense of justice.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened at the Swiss nightclub?
A fire started on New Year's Eve at the 'Le Constellation' club. It killed 41 people and hurt 115.
Q: Why are families angry?
Families are angry at the club's owners because they believe the owners are responsible for the deaths.
Q: What caused the fire?
Police think sparklers on champagne bottles lit a flammable ceiling.
Q: Who is being investigated?
The owners of the nightclub are being questioned by the police.