Three Indian nationals were killed and five people sustained injuries after a fire engulfed a residential building in Bochum, Germany, early Tuesday, with police arresting a resident on suspicion of murder, according to local media reports.
The victims were identified as two women, aged 25 and 27, and a 26-year-old man. Their identities and home states in India have not been made public.
Authorities arrested a 41-year-old Romanian national who lived in the building after questioning him in connection with the incident. Police and prosecutors confirmed the arrest on Wednesday, while investigators are examining the possibility of arson.
Preliminary findings had provided grounds to suspect murder. Investigators have ruled out a technical fault as the cause of the fire, but have yet to establish whether it was deliberately set or accidental.
The blaze started around 4.15 am local time on Tuesday at a multi-family residential building in Bochum’s Hofstede district. Firefighters found the three victims dead in an apartment on the second floor.
Five other people suffered smoke inhalation and were transported to hospitals for medical treatment.
Efforts to evacuate residents were complicated after flames spread through the stairwell towards the upper floors, blocking firefighters from using it to reach people trapped inside. Emergency teams rescued five residents with the help of a turntable ladder, portable ladders and a safety cushion, media reports said.
The investigation into the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the deaths is ongoing.
