The blaze erupted early Tuesday in a multi‑family building in Bochum’s Hofstede district, killing three Indian residents and injuring five others.
Victims were two women aged 25 and 27 and a 26‑year‑old man. The 41‑year‑old suspect also lived in the building; he was taken into custody by Bochum police after the fire.
Bochum police said the suspect faces murder charges and investigators are examining evidence for possible arson. The fire began shortly after midnight, prompting a rapid response from emergency services.
Neighbors reported smoke and heat before the fire services arrived, and the incident has prompted questions about building safety codes in the district. Police are preparing a formal murder charge and a court hearing is scheduled for later this month.