Lugano apartment fire leaves one person dead

A fatal fire broke out in an apartment building on Via Cortivallo in Lugano, Switzerland, shortly after 3:00 AM on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Emergency responders discovered a deceased person in the second-floor apartment where the blaze originated.

Authorities evacuated 22 residents from the building as a precaution. While six individuals were medically examined for symptoms of mild smoke inhalation, no hospitalizations were required.

The Ticino Cantonal Police, Lugano City Police, Lugano Fire Department, and Croce Verde Lugano responded to the scene. Public prosecutor Chiara Buzzi is leading the investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire.