Daijiworld Media Network - Bochum

Bochum, Oct 15: Three people from Keralam were killed and five others injured in a fire at an apartment building in Bochum, Germany, early on Tuesday, October 13.

The deceased were identified as Anjali Sheela Joy from Kollam, Sivin Johny from Ernakulam and Nova Sabu from Idukki. Firefighters recovered their bodies from an apartment on the second floor of a multi-family residential building in Bochum’s Hofstede district.

German police have arrested a 41-year-old Romanian national who lived in the building on suspicion of murder after investigators found initial indications that the fire may have been deliberately set.

The fire broke out at around 4.15 am local time on Poststrasse. Five other residents were rescued after collapsing due to smoke inhalation and were taken to hospitals in the city. Flames spread upwards through the stairwell, making it difficult for firefighters to reach residents on the upper floors, German broadcaster Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) reported.

“Firefighters and police immediately initiated rescue and firefighting operations. However, for three people, all help came too late. They could only be recovered from the building deceased,” Bochum Police said.

The Bochum Police Headquarters, under the direction of the Bochum Public Prosecutor’s Office, has formed an investigative commission to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Tourism Minister PC Vishnunath said the Keralam government had initiated steps to repatriate the bodies. Arrangements are being coordinated with NORKA and the Indian Embassy in Germany. The Minister also spoke to Anjali’s family.

Nova Sabu, daughter of KP Sabu and PN Jyothi of Kochadattel, Shanthigram, Kattappana, had been working as a gym trainer in Germany. She moved to the country on July 3 after securing a job.

Her father is a retired Sub-Inspector, while her mother works as a Public Health Nurse at the Chembakapara Primary Health Centre. The family learnt of her death on Wednesday evening.

Relatives have contacted the Indian Embassy for assistance.

Anjali Sheela Joy was the daughter of Joy, a retired Agriculture Department employee, and Sheela Joy, a retired Office Assistant in the Registration Department. The family resides at Ashwani Nivas in Chembakkad.

Anjali had moved to Germany in July after securing a job. Her sister is Ashwani. The families are awaiting further information regarding the repatriation of the bodies.