3 Indians killed in Germany fire, neighbour arrested

Three Indian nationals were killed and five others injured in a fire at a residential building in Bochum, Germany, as investigators probe suspected arson and a 41-year-old Romanian resident faces murder allegations. 

The victims were two women aged 25 and 27 and a 26-year-old man. Firefighters found their bodies in an apartment on the second floor of the building in Bochum's Hofstede district.

Their names and home states in India were not reported.

The fire broke out at around 4:15AM on Tuesday (October 13). The five injured residents suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to hospitals for treatment, German public broadcaster WDR reported. 

Police arrested the 41-year-old Romanian man, who lived in the building, on Wednesday (October 14). He was questioned by homicide investigators after authorities found initial grounds to suspect him of murder. Subsequent reports said a court ordered his detention on suspicion of murder and arson causing death. 

Investigators have ruled out a technical defect as the cause of the fire and suspect arson. However, they are still investigating whether the blaze was started deliberately or accidentally. 

The rescue operation was particularly difficult because flames spread through the stairwell, blocking firefighters from reaching residents on the upper floors. Emergency crews rescued several people using a turntable ladder, portable ladders and a safety cushion, according to German media reports. 

The investigation into the cause of the fire and the suspect's possible motive is ongoing. 


-EM