At least three Indians were killed and five others injured after a fire broke out at a residential building in Bochum, Germany, early Tuesday, local media reported on Wednesday. Police have arrested a 41-year-old resident on suspicion of murder as investigators probe whether the blaze was deliberately started.The victims were two women aged 25 and 27, and a 26-year-old man, German public broadcaster WDR reported, citing Bochum police. Their identities and home states in India have not been disclosed.The five injured people suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to hospitals in Bochum. Their nationalities have not been reported.
Police suspect arson
Police and prosecutors announced the arrest on Wednesday. The suspect is a 41-year-old Romanian national, German news channel n-tv reported, citing the German Press Agency (DPA).A Bochum police spokesperson told WDR that there were initial grounds to suspect the man of murder. He was questioned by officers from the homicide squad.Investigators have ruled out a technical defect as the cause of the fire and suspect arson. However, they are still examining whether the blaze was deliberately set or started accidentally.
Flames hamper rescue
The fire broke out at around 4.15 am local time on Tuesday in a multi-family residential building in the Hofstede district of Bochum, prompting emergency services to respond.Firefighters found the three victims dead inside an apartment on the second floor. The operation was particularly difficult because flames had spread upwards through the stairwell, making it impossible for firefighters to use it to reach residents on the upper floors, WDR reported.According to the DPA report carried by n-tv, firefighters rescued two people using a turntable ladder, two others with portable ladders and another person with a safety cushion.The investigation into the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the three deaths is under way.
