Three Indian nationals were killed and five others injured after a fire broke out at a residential building in Bochum, Germany, early Tuesday.
A 26-year-old guy and two women, ages 25 and 27, were the victims. Their identities and home states have not yet been reported.
Police arrested a 41-year-old Romanian resident of the building on suspicion of murder as investigators examined the possibility of arson. Authorities have ruled out a technical fault but are still investigating whether the fire was deliberately set or started accidentally.
The blaze broke out around 4:15 am local time in the Hofstede district. Firefighters discovered the three victims dead in a second-floor apartment. The five injured people suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to nearby hospitals.
The rescue operation was challenging because flames spread upwards through the stairwell, blocking access to residents on the upper floors. Emergency crews used a turntable ladder, portable ladders and a safety cushion to rescue people trapped inside.
Police and prosecutors announced the suspect’s arrest on Wednesday. He was questioned by the homicide squad as investigators continued to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Authorities have not released further details about the injured individuals or established the cause of the fire.