New Video Reveals Start of Deadly Crans-Montana New Year’s Fire
The New Year’s Eve tragedy in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, which claimed the lives of 41 people and injured 115 others, continues to be investigated, with a newly released video offering a chilling glimpse into the moments leading up to the disaster. The footage, recently submitted as evidence to the Sion prosecutor’s office, depicts the precise moment the fire ignited at the Le Constellation nightclub on December 31, 2025. The incident has prompted a joint Swiss-Italian investigation, hampered by bureaucratic delays, as authorities seek to determine the cause and assign responsibility for the devastating blaze. The investigation is particularly sensitive given the six Italian citizens who were among those who perished in the fire.
The 18-second video, described as a “video-truth” by Italian media, shows a young waitress, identified as Cyanne Panine, carrying two bottles of champagne adorned with pyrotechnic candles while standing on the shoulders of a colleague. The footage reveals Panine raising one of the bottles and briefly touching it to the soundproofing foam on the ceiling of the club. Almost immediately, the foam ignites, initiating a rapidly spreading fire. Crucially, the video shows that those around Panine were initially unaware of the danger, continuing to celebrate as the flames took hold. The incident underscores concerns about the lack of adequate fire safety measures at the venue, including the absence of fire-retardant materials and reportedly, blocked emergency exits.
The tragedy at Le Constellation has sparked outrage and calls for accountability. The investigation is focusing on whether the club adhered to safety regulations and whether the use of pyrotechnics was permitted and properly supervised. The newly released video is expected to be a key piece of evidence in the ongoing legal proceedings. The Sion prosecutor’s office has also requested a formal inquiry from French authorities, seeking to interview four French citizens who were present at the club that night, including those directly involved in the incident.
The Moments Before the Inferno
The video, obtained by multiple news outlets including La Sicilia and Giornale La Voce, clearly depicts Cyanne Panine, a 24-year-old French waitress from Sète, balancing on the shoulders of a colleague while carrying the champagne bottles. She is wearing a helmet, presumably for safety during the crowded celebration. The candles attached to the bottles are lit, and as Panine raises her arm, one of the flames makes contact with the ceiling’s soundproofing panels. These panels, composed of highly flammable material, immediately catch fire. The speed with which the fire spreads is alarming, turning a festive atmosphere into a scene of chaos and panic within seconds.
Witness accounts, as reported by La Sicilia, highlight the lack of safety precautions. Survivors described a venue with no visible fireproofing materials and emergency exits that were locked or blocked. The loud music further contributed to the confusion, delaying the realization that a fire had broken out. Panine herself, unaware of the escalating danger, continued her procession through the crowd, ultimately becoming one of the victims of the tragedy.
Investigation and International Cooperation
The investigation into the Crans-Montana fire is being led by the prosecutor’s office in Sion, Switzerland. The complexity of the case, involving multiple nationalities and potential violations of safety regulations, has led to collaboration with Italian authorities. Yet, as reported by La Sicilia, the exchange of information between the two countries has been slowed by bureaucratic hurdles. Italian investigators are eager to access witness testimonies and other evidence to ensure justice for the six Italian citizens who lost their lives.
The Swiss prosecutor’s office has issued a rogatory letter to France, requesting the interrogation of four French citizens. These include Mathieu Aubrun, the 28-year-old waiter who was carrying Panine on his shoulders, as well as other staff members – Ambra Sobaga and Gaethan Thomas – and a client, Nathan Jooris. The interrogations are intended to clarify the events leading up to the fire and determine whether any negligence or wrongdoing contributed to the disaster. The focus on French citizens reflects the fact that Panine was French, and several other employees of the club were also French nationals.
Key Details from the Investigation
- Date of Incident: December 31, 2025
- Location: Le Constellation nightclub, Crans-Montana, Switzerland
- Fatalities: 41 people
- Injuries: 115 people
- Cause (Preliminary): Contact between a pyrotechnic candle and flammable soundproofing material
- Ongoing Investigations: Swiss and Italian authorities are collaborating, with requests for information from French authorities.
The new 18-second video is considered a crucial piece of evidence, providing a clear visual account of how the fire started. It confirms earlier reports that a candle ignited the soundproofing foam, but it also highlights the chaotic atmosphere and the initial lack of awareness among those present. The video is expected to play a significant role in establishing the sequence of events and determining liability.
According to Avvenire, the investigation is also examining the club’s adherence to fire safety regulations, including the presence of fire extinguishers, emergency lighting, and clear evacuation routes. The initial reports suggest that these measures were inadequate, contributing to the high number of casualties.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety in public venues. The use of pyrotechnics, in particular, requires careful planning and strict adherence to safety protocols. The investigation in Crans-Montana is likely to lead to stricter regulations and increased scrutiny of fire safety practices in similar establishments around the world.
The next step in the investigation is the completion of the French interrogations and the analysis of the evidence gathered. Authorities have not yet announced a timeline for the conclusion of the investigation or the filing of any charges. However, the release of the new video and the ongoing international cooperation suggest that progress is being made towards uncovering the truth behind this devastating tragedy.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and condolences in the comments below. Please also share this article to raise awareness about the importance of fire safety.
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