Three Indian Students Killed in Germany House Fire, Murder Investigation Underway
BERLIN — Three Indian students, including two women and a man, were killed in a house fire in the German city of Bochum, prompting a criminal investigation and the arrest of a 41-year-old resident on suspicion of murder, according to German media reports.
The fire broke out Tuesday morning in a residential building in Bochum, located in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia state. Emergency responders discovered the bodies of the three victims on the building’s second floor.
Local media identified the victims as two Indian women, ages 25 and 27, and a 26-year-old Indian man. All three were studying in Germany.
The Indian Embassy in Berlin confirmed the deaths Thursday and said diplomatic officials were working with German authorities and the victims’ families.
“Three Indian nationals (two women and one man) have tragically lost their lives in a fire incident in Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. All 3 were studying in Germany. Embassy of India in Berlin and Consulate General of India in Frankfurt are in contact with local authorities and the bereaved families, and are extending all necessary assistance,” the embassy said in a statement on X.
The embassy also expressed condolences to the families and confirmed that German authorities were investigating the incident.
According to German broadcaster WDR, firefighters faced significant difficulties reaching the victims because flames had spread through the building’s stairwell, blocking access to the upper floors.
Investigators subsequently arrested a 41-year-old resident of the building on initial suspicion of murder. The suspect has been questioned by homicide detectives, according to a Bochum police spokesperson cited by WDR.
Fire investigators examining the property have reportedly ruled out a technical malfunction as the cause of the blaze and are investigating possible arson.
Authorities are working to determine whether the fire was deliberately set or resulted from an accident. No final determination regarding the cause has been announced.
The identities of the three Indian students have not been publicly disclosed in the information released by the embassy.
The Indian Embassy in Berlin and the Consulate General in Frankfurt said they are providing assistance to the bereaved families as the investigation continues. (Source: IANS)
