Switzerland Nightclub Fire: Boyfriend Questioned, Security Chief’s Phone Seized
- February 6, 2026 – Investigations continue into the New Year’s Day fire at a Swiss bar that claimed the lives of 40 people, with bar owners now placing...
- According to reports, the owners of the bar allege the fire was sparked by the waitress while she was performing a “show” – climbing onto a colleague’s shoulders...
- The manager of the bar, who reportedly arrived at the scene before the flames engulfed the building to check on his girlfriend, has maintained the owners’ innocence.
Swiss Bar Fire: Owners Blame Staff, Waitress in ‘Helmet’ at Center of Investigation
– Investigations continue into the New Year’s Day fire at a Swiss bar that claimed the lives of 40 people, with bar owners now placing blame on their staff, specifically focusing on a young waitress described as wearing a “helmet.”
According to reports, the owners of the bar allege the fire was sparked by the waitress while she was performing a “show” – climbing onto a colleague’s shoulders while holding lit sparklers. This account has emerged as authorities continue to question those connected to the tragedy.
The manager of the bar, who reportedly arrived at the scene before the flames engulfed the building to check on his girlfriend, has maintained the owners’ innocence. He stated he was there to see his girlfriend, Cyane Panine, the waitress now at the center of the investigation and attempted to help those injured. He also claimed he did not work at the bar and therefore had limited knowledge of safety procedures, stating he had “never been formed or trained” to handle emergency situations.
Panine tragically died in the fire. She has been identified as the “waitress in the helmet” by the bar owners, who claim her actions inadvertently ignited the blaze in the nightclub’s basement ceiling.
Jessica Moretti, a key figure in the ownership, defended herself during questioning, refuting claims she fled the scene with the cash box. “We are all isolated because of the investigation and I believe this has created many misunderstandings and many lies,” she reportedly told journalists. “It’s false. I never fled.” Moretti also addressed concerns about employee compensation, assuring staff they would receive their wages despite the freezing of the bar’s accounts due to the ongoing investigation.
The investigation has also turned to the role of Christophe Balet, the head of public safety for the municipality of Crans-Montana. Authorities have seized his cell phone to examine data and files, as part of the inquiry. Balet admitted he lacked the necessary fire safety certification, having failed the required exam after completing the training course.
The fire, which broke out on New Year’s Day, prompted a swift response from emergency services. A Warwick Police Department report from , indicates that West Warwick Police requested assistance at , reporting the nightclub was on fire.
A survivor shared a stark warning on TikTok, emphasizing the rapid spread of fire within nightclubs and urging immediate evacuation upon spotting even a small flame. The incident has raised critical questions about fire safety regulations and the responsibilities of bar owners in ensuring the safety of patrons and staff.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses to determine the exact cause of the fire and assign responsibility for the tragedy.