Fire drama in Solothurn: a woman confesses to having smoked in bed

A woman admits to smoking in bed – and is released

The woman responsible for the fire in a multi-family house in Solothurn with six deaths was again released from custody. She confessed to smoking in bed.

On Monday afternoon, the police arrested a woman for the moment. It triggered a devastating fire on Monday night at Wengistrasse 40, "by misuse of smokers' products". Six people died.

The public prosecutor could, within 48 hours of his arrest, either apply for pre-trial detention before the binding court or release the person.

At present Solothurn parquet has decided not to apply. "There is no reason for detention," spokeswoman Cony Zubler told TeleM1. The facts have been clarified so far. The accused stated that he had smoked in bed. "This coincides with the current findings of the fire investigators," Zubler said.

For pre-trial detention to be ordered, several conditions must be met. This includes an urgent suspicion of an offense. In addition, there should be at least one so-called "special reason for detention" – this includes, for example, the risk of absconding, the risk of power failure or the risk of execution. These are not given in the case of the woman.

A resident of the building noticed smoke in the stairwell around 2:10 am and set off an alarm. Firefighters left with a large contingent. 19 people could be safe by firefighters. Six people died. Below two children. (LDU)