Weeks after a horrific fire tore through a popular Swiss nightclub on New Year’s Eve, one of its youngest victims has finally woken from a medically induced coma.
The blaze at Le Constellation in Crans-Montana claimed 40 lives and left around 100 people seriously injured, marking one of the deadliest nightclub disasters in recent European history.
Eighteen-year-old Roze, who was working at the club that night, suffered severe burns to her face, hands, and foot.
After a week of initial care, she was transferred to the specialist burns unit at the University Hospital of Liège, known for treating complex fire injuries.
Road to Recovery: Small Steps Forward
Roze underwent multiple surgeries and remained in a coma for weeks as doctors fought to stabilize her condition.
Last Friday, she was moved out of intensive care into a regular hospital room, where her rehabilitation continues.
“I’m doing better,” Roze shared with Sudinfo.
“I still need a lot of care; my bandages are changed every two days. But my face is free of bandages, and I can speak normally with my family and the hospital staff.”
Despite progress, the journey ahead remains long and painful.
She explained, “Recovery for my hands and right foot will take time, but I’m on the right track.
I have to wear gloves for another two years, but I can still use my hands. My right foot still hurts, and I can’t walk on my own yet—it will take another six months.”
Family Support Amid Trauma
During her hospital stay, Roze’s father has been by her side constantly, while her mother and three-year-old brother recently visited to support her emotionally.
“Every night I wake up with nightmares,” she admitted.
“I keep reliving what happened, and I’m seeing a psychologist.”
Despite these struggles, she remains determined to stay positive: “I want to thank the healthcare staff for their kindness and all the Belgians who reached out. The worst is over!”
Alarming Safety Lapses Exposed
Footage released after the tragedy revealed serious safety oversights at the club. CCTV showed a chair blocking an emergency exit and staff using pool cues to prop up insulation foam just weeks before the fire.
In one clip, employee Gaëtan Thomas-Gilbert filmed the foam being adjusted and sent the video to the club owner, Jacques Moretti, who replied: “Yeah, that looks OK. Take the others off, please.”
Another image, captured minutes before the blaze, showed a chair blocking an exit, where three victims later perished.
Owners Face Criminal Charges
Swiss prosecutors have charged Jacques Moretti, 49, and his wife Jessica, 40, with negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm, and negligent arson.
Leaked records from their interviews show the couple repeatedly blamed young staff members for the disaster.
During hours of interrogation, the Morettis focused on 24-year-old waitress Cyane Panine, who died in the fire, claiming she initiated a risky stunt involving champagne bottles with lit sparklers.
Jacques Moretti told prosecutors, “Cyane liked doing that—it was a show. I didn’t forbid her or make her follow safety instructions.”
Jessica Moretti similarly claimed, “Cyane did it of her own accord. I never imagined any danger.”
Cyane’s family and survivors strongly dispute this account, asserting that Jessica Moretti encouraged the stunt and provided the protective helmet.
Fire Safety Shortcomings
Investigators also uncovered broader safety failures.
Jacques admitted there was no formal fire training for staff, only brief instructions on evacuation and calling the fire department.
He claimed that one employee didn’t know where fire extinguishers were kept, blaming the oversight on shift rotations.
Both Morettis also deflected responsibility for a locked basement exit, which played a key role in the deaths.
“The door was always open,” Jessica said. “I still wonder why it was closed that night.”
Jacques added that an employee had apparently closed the latch, and he later told the person to “take responsibility,” though the staff member denies any wrongdoing.
Regarding the flammable foam installed in 2015, Jacques stated that local fire authorities had approved it during renovations.
The Path Ahead
While Roze battles her physical and psychological recovery, the investigation into the nightclub fire continues, with the Morettis under intense scrutiny.
Survivors and families of victims are demanding accountability as the tragedy’s full scope unfolds.
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