The fire drama in Solothurn: an overview of the catastrophe – Canton (Solothurn) – Solothurn

What exactly happened in the Wengistrasse in Solothurn, when a big smoldering fire broke out on Monday night in a multifamily home? In the tragic fire, the investigation is still ongoing. We show what is clear.

What happened?

A resident of the multifamily house Wengistrasse 40 noticed smoke in the stairwell around 2:10 pm Monday night and set off an alarm. Firefighters left with a large contingent.

What is the number of victims?

19 people put the firefighters in the shelter. For six people, however, all help arrived too late. Four adults and two children died directly from the accident. Another child succumbed to his injuries Wednesday at the hospital. Thus, the fire has made seven victims in total. Two children are still in the hospital, one of them is serious and the other seriously injured.

What was the cause of the fire?

The cigarette triggered the fire, police said Monday afternoon. On Wednesday, the prosecutor's office in Solothurn confirmed: A woman temporarily arrested confessed to being asleep in bed with a cigarette.

Why this arrest?

A person was provisionally arrested by police Monday afternoon for causing the fire "through the misuse of smokers". The prosecutor's office opened a criminal investigation. On Wednesday, the prosecutor announced that the woman was free again. She admitted to smoking in bed. A request for remand did not put the prosecutor's office. "There is no reason for detention," spokeswoman Conny Zubler told TeleM1.

What is this house?

In the Wengistrasse 40 building, the canton of Solothurn had rented two floors for the accommodation of asylum seekers. That said the president of the city of Solothurn, Kurt Fluri. In the building, nine people were reported.

However, at the time of the fire, more than 20 people remained in the building, as had already reported cantonal police Monday.

What about fire protection in the house?

The interior of the house located at the Wengistrasse 40 did not particularly favor the development of smoke and fire, the building having been built in accordance with the rules of fire protection in force at the time. ;time. This commander of the fire services said Boris Anderegg. However, with smoke detectors, for which there is no obligation in Switzerland, the tragedy could probably have been avoided. The discussion on the possible introduction of a fire detector function has therefore been relaunched. (Tom / RKA)