After house collapse in Görlitz with three dead: Police arrest two suspects

Background to the incident

What is new since 7 June

Role of police and investigation status

Compared to the previous state of reporting, several developments have been added: For the first time, police officially confirmed the arrest of two suspects. For the first time, police also publicly commented on the suspicion of an explosive detonation as a possible cause of the collapse. Until now, investigators had only spoken of an ongoing proceeding. It is also new that, according to police, the two men are already in pretrial detention from another case — meaning they were arrested independently of the Görlitz house collapse. The link to the collapse only emerged through the ongoing investigation.

Search for witnesses

Investigators suspect, according to dpa information, non-ferrous metal thieves behind the catastrophe. Accordingly, the perpetrators may have deliberately broken into a house to steal non-ferrous metals such as copper or copper cables, and triggered an explosion in the process. This lead is currently being examined, as reported by the news agency citing investigators.

Background to the incident

In the house collapse in Görlitz, three people lost their lives over the past weekend. Rescue workers were only able to recover the buried persons dead from the rubble. The exact date of the incident and the identity of the victims were not initially published in detail by police, in order to protect the relatives.

Role of police and investigation status

Görlitz police are leading the investigation on suspicion of a homicide offence in several cases. Kai Siebenäuger, press spokesperson for the Görlitz police, is one of the few named investigators to have publicly commented on the case so far. According to its own statements, the authority is working closely with the Görlitz public prosecutor's office.

Search for witnesses

Police continue to actively search for witnesses to the incident. Residents who have made suspicious observations near the collapsed house — such as persons, vehicles, or unusual noises — are asked to contact police in Görlitz. Tips regarding possible metal purchases or suspicious individuals in the area could also be relevant to investigators.

Suspicion of explosive detonation

For the first time, it has now become public that investigators are considering an explosive detonation as a possible cause of the collapse. Previously, only a house collapse had been mentioned. Should the suspicion be confirmed, this would shift the investigation in the direction of intentional action. It initially remained open which substance may have been used.

Pretrial detention from another case

It is noteworthy that the two suspects were already in pretrial detention before the arrests in connection with the Görlitz house collapse. As Siebenäuger explained, the men are in custody "in another matter." It was only through the investigation into the house collapse that they came into focus as possible suspects in this case. This is unusual, as suspects in serious offences are generally only taken into custody after their arrest.

Impact on the city

The house collapse has left deep marks on the Saxon city on the Polish border. Residents reported a loud bang on the night of the incident. The affected street remained closed for several days while emergency services and structural engineers secured the site. Psychological support for residents also continued over the weekend.

Police announced that they would continue to clarify the case and provide regular updates on the progress of the investigation. A first official press conference is expected in the coming days.