A 34-year-old man has been charged with murder, attempted murder and arson following a house fire in Hounslow that left one woman dead and eight others injured. Pawel Kulpa faces charges including one count of arson with intent to endanger life, as well as murder and attempted murder, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed.
Fire at Berkeley Avenue leaves one dead and eight injured
The Metropolitan Police launched a murder investigation after a 48-year-old woman died in the blaze at Berkeley Avenue, Hounslow, which broke out just before 1am on Wednesday. Eight additional people were taken to hospital with injuries, and a 40-year-old woman remains in a life-threatening condition.
Lisa Ramsarran, chief Crown Prosecutor for London North, said: 'Our prosecutors have worked to establish that there is sufficient evidence to pursue criminal proceedings. We have worked closely with the Metropolitan Police to bring this case to court, and we will continue working with them as their investigation progresses.'
Neighbours describe 'terrifying' scene and heroics
Images from the scene show the exterior of the terraced house severely smoke-damaged and blackened, with the upstairs eaves melted and windows broken. Neighbours described the fire as 'terrifying', saying the flames were 'very strong' and they could hear screaming coming from the house.
One local praised Satwant Singh as a 'hero' after he ran towards the house to help firefighters with his hosepipe. 'People were real heroes, my neighbour who ran out with his hosepipe was so quick thinking, an absolute legend,' said a local. 'They ran towards the fire. He was spraying water on the flames. They were pulling people out of a window downstairs. It was very frightening and these people saved lives for sure. They ran towards the danger.'
Court appearance scheduled
Kulpa is scheduled to appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 25. The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors and police continue to work together on the case.
