Tragedy in Gernsbach, Baden: After a house fire at night, three bodies were discovered in the ruins on Thursday. Investigators are not ruling out the possibility that three children aged 4, 8 and 14 were missing after the fire. The identity of the dead has yet to be clarified with the help of forensic experts.
The investigators apparently do not rule out more victims: “Whether there are other bodies in the house is the subject of further search measures,” said a statement from the police and prosecutors. The cause of the fire was initially unknown.
In the privately rented former hotel in the Gernsbach district of Reichental (Rastatt district), mainly Eastern European working-class families lived. It was unclear how many people were in the building. The investigators assume at least 16 people, after the fire 13 of them were looked after.
Three residents were taken to hospital with minor injuries. A police officer was also treated in a clinic after the operation. The three children were searched for under the most difficult conditions. It was initially unclear whether they were still in the house at the time of the fire.
The old house caught fire
The fire was reported around 2:45 a.m. Thursday morning. When the fire brigade arrived, the old house, including the roof structure, was engulfed in flames. Three residents aged 17, 14 and a one-year-old child were rescued from the roof by firefighters with the help of local residents.
The extinguishing work was completed in the morning. The search in the burned out and collapsing house was difficult. According to the police, the building cannot be entered. High-altitude rescue workers roped off by a special crane first discovered a body around noon, and later the other two dead.
Residents and relatives are cared for by an emergency crisis team. The city also set up a crisis management team and organized emergency accommodation for the coming days.
Mayor Julian Christ was deeply affected: “I am dismayed by this devastating fire. The residents of the house have my greatest sympathy.”
In total, more than 100 helpers from the fire brigade, the police, the Federal Agency for Technical Relief and the Red Cross were on duty. The investigation into the possible cause of the fire with the help of a fire expert is ongoing.
