Teenage Burn Survivor Haunted by Nightmares After Deadly Swiss Bar Fire
CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland – Roze, an 18-year-old survivor of the New Year’s Day fire that claimed lives at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, has emerged from an 18-day coma, but is now grappling with recurring nightmares and a long road to recovery. Her harrowing account sheds light on the chaos and tragedy that unfolded during what should have been a celebratory night.
Roze was transported to a specialist burns unit at the University Hospital of Liège in Belgium after suffering third-degree burns in the blaze. She recounted her experience to Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, expressing a profound fear of sleep and a constant reliving of the horrific events.
“I’m afraid to fall asleep alone,” she told the newspaper. “Afraid because I know the nightmares will come again. Of course, I’m glad to be alive. But I also think about the dead very often – and that hurts.”
The fire, which erupted in the packed basement bar, resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people and injured dozens more. Investigations suggest sparklers attached to champagne bottles ignited the ceiling cladding, triggering a rapid flashover that engulfed the space. The narrow staircase leading to the exit became a deadly bottleneck as panicked patrons attempted to escape.
Roze and her friend, Nouran, 18, were at the bar taking photos and videos for promotional material, arranged by bar owner Jessica Moretti. Roze remembers seeing flames erupt on the ceiling and immediately attempting to find Nouran amidst the chaos. She managed to escape through a broken window and assisted in moving bodies blocking the exit, eventually locating her friend.
“She was horribly injured and in terrible pain,” Roze said. Unable to use her hands due to severe burns, she relied on a passerby to call for help, leading to their hospitalization in Sion.
Nouran remains in a coma, with doctors estimating she may remain unconscious for at least two more months. Roze expressed deep concern for her friend’s condition, stating Nouran has suffered 80 percent burns and her survival is uncertain.
The tragedy has prompted a criminal investigation, with venue owners Jacques Moretti, 49, and Jessica Moretti, 40, currently under judicial supervision. Leaked police interview transcripts, reported by Le Parisien, reveal the couple allegedly attempted to deflect blame onto a young waitress, Cyane Panine, who tragically died in the fire. The Morettis reportedly claimed Panine was responsible for starting the blaze and obstructing the escape route.
However, Panine’s parents vehemently deny the allegations, stating she was simply following instructions from Jessica Moretti to “get the atmosphere going.” They believe their daughter was made a scapegoat for the negligence that contributed to the disaster.
The incident has raised serious questions about safety regulations and oversight in Swiss entertainment venues. The Canton of Valais, the Swiss region where the fire occurred, has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, focusing on potential violations of fire safety codes and emergency preparedness protocols. Swiss authorities have faced increasing pressure to review and strengthen regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Roze faces a lengthy and arduous recovery process, potentially requiring two years of rehabilitation to regain full use of her hands. She currently relies on her parents for basic care. Despite the physical and emotional trauma, Roze expressed gratitude for being alive, while acknowledging the profound loss experienced by so many.
The Swiss bar fire serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of negligence and the importance of prioritizing safety in public spaces. The incident has resonated internationally, prompting discussions about fire safety standards and the responsibility of venue owners to protect their patrons.
[Image of Roze in hospital – Credit: sudinfo.be]
[Image of Roze in hospital – Credit: X]
[Image of sparklers – Credit: The Sun]
[Image of the burned bar – Credit: Unpixs]
[Image of the Morettis – Credit: Reuters]
