A catastrophic fire at a popular bar in Geneva has resulted in the deaths of thirteen people, with the venue's owner now in police custody. The tragedy unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning at the Le Constellation establishment, sending shockwaves through the Swiss city and prompting a major investigation.
Details of the Devastating Incident
The fire broke out at the Le Constellation bar, located on Rue de la Servette in Geneva, around 1:30 AM local time on Friday, 9 January 2026. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but the blaze spread with ferocious speed. Thirteen individuals lost their lives in the incident, with several others injured and taken to hospital for treatment. The precise cause of the fire remains under active investigation by Swiss authorities.
In a significant development following the disaster, police confirmed the arrest of the bar's owner. While the individual's identity has not been publicly released, officials stated the arrest is part of their ongoing probe into the circumstances that led to the deadly fire. The investigation is examining all potential factors, including safety compliance and the building's infrastructure.
Community Mourning and Official Response
The city of Geneva has been plunged into mourning. Le Constellation was known as a lively local haunt, and the sudden loss has devastated residents and the families of the victims. Makeshift memorials with flowers and candles have appeared near the charred building as the community grapples with the scale of the tragedy.
Local government officials and fire service commanders have expressed their profound sorrow. Geneva's public prosecutor has opened a criminal inquiry to determine if any laws were breached and to establish liability for the incident. This legal process will run parallel to the technical fire investigation, which will analyse the origin and rapid spread of the flames.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Scrutiny
The arrest of the bar owner indicates authorities are moving quickly to address potential culpability. Questions are being raised about safety standards, emergency exits, and whether the venue was operating in full compliance with local fire regulations. This incident is likely to trigger wider safety audits of similar nightlife venues across Switzerland.
As forensic experts continue to sift through the wreckage, the priority remains identifying the victims and supporting their grieving families. The death toll of thirteen marks this as one of the deadliest fires in Geneva's recent history. The outcome of the criminal investigation is awaited with intense public interest, as the city seeks answers and justice for those who perished.
