Big fire in Essen because of cigarette? residents in focus

After the major fire in Essen, fire investigators are trying to determine the cause of the fire. Investigations are underway against a resident of the residential complex.

Essen – After the devastating fire in a residential complex in Essen, two residents are being investigated on suspicion of negligent arson, according to information from the German Press Agency.

One of the two is said to have smoked on the balcony of the shared apartment and not properly put out a cigarette. A wooden shelf is said to have caught fire. Deliberate arson at several points in the building complex cannot yet be ruled out, according to a confidential report by the Ministry of the Interior.

Doubts among fire investigators

In fact, fire investigators have doubts as to whether a cigarette – despite the violent storm that night – could have caused such a massive fire. The confidential report says that the intentional setting of fire in several places was not ruled out. A fire expert was hired and is currently evaluating his findings. That will probably take several weeks.

In the fire on the night of February 21, more than 100 people lost their homes and in many cases their entire property. Three people were slightly injured by smoke inhalation. The building complex has to be demolished. Owner Vivawest estimates the damage to be in the tens of millions. dpa