An Algerian migrant in Germany has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to his asylum center in Schleiden-Vogelsang, leaving 16 people injured and dozens displaced.
The blaze, which erupted Saturday evening in the building’s loft, sent flames soaring and destroyed the facility along with two neighboring houses.
Firefighters battled fierce weather to extinguish the inferno, which injured residents with burns and smoke inhalation. A total of 57 people were evacuated, while 16 required hospital treatment. Authorities arrested a 35-year-old resident of the center, charging him with serious arson, grievous bodily harm, and seven counts of attempted murder. The police, however, remain tight-lipped about his motive.
A homicide squad is investigating the deliberate act, marking the second arson attack at the site in less than a year. In January, a similar incident was also linked to arson. Across Europe, arson attacks in asylum centers are not uncommon, often tied to tensions over living conditions, disputes, or attempts to be relocated to other EU nations.
The devastating fire leaves the asylum center’s residents in limbo, as authorities work to piece together the details of this alarming case.
