Three Kerala students killed in suspected arson at Germany residence

Three Kerala students died in a Bochum residential fire under investigation for arson. A Romanian resident is in custody as Indian missions support the families.London,Oct 15, 2026 16:26 ISTThree Indian students, including two women, were killed in a fire at a residential building in Germany, news agency Press Trust of India reported. The Indian Embassy in Berlin and the Consulate General of India in Frankfurt are assisting their families.The German authorities are investigating the fire, while a 41-year-old Romanian resident of the building has been remanded in custody on suspicion of murder and arson resulting in death.In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, the Indian Embassy said: “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 incident is under investigation by German authorities,” the embassy said, according to PTI. “We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief,” it added.The victims were identified by their families in India as Sivin Johny, Nova Sabu and Sheela Joy. All three were from Kerala. Their families and public representatives in the state have stepped up efforts to bring their remains home. A judge issued an arrest warrant against the Romanian man, who has declined to comment on the allegations, German news channel n-tv reported, citing the German Press Agency. Investigators are continuing to examine the motive.The fire broke out early on Tuesday in a multi-family residential building in the Hofstede district of Bochum, in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.Firefighters found the three victims dead in a second-floor apartment. Five other people suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to hospitals in Bochum, German media reported.Investigators have ruled out a technical fault as the cause of the fire, German public broadcaster WDR reported. The wooden stairwell was completely destroyed, and the building is likely to be uninhabitable.The Indian missions remain in contact with the victims’ families and local authorities as the investigation continues and efforts are made to bring the remains of the three students to India.With PTI Inputs- Ends