Pyromanes devastated apartment in Ottakring: panic residents!

Pyromanes devastated apartment in Ottakring: panic residents!

Ottakring, Österreich - in Vienna-Ottakring, a fire that broke out on June 14th caused a sensation. The 46-year-old tenant of the affected house stated that he had acted from an "internal urge to light things". Fortunately, there were no injuries, but property damage is considerable. The fire brigade had to wake residents who panicked the building when they noticed the smoke. The man, who was alcohol at around 1.5 per thousand alcohol, was arrested after the mission, and the question arises as to whether he was examined again in an institution again, since he has already been condemned three times for arson. Neighbors described him as calm, but apparently he has a criminal past. Financial damage is estimated to be several ten thousand euros, and the public prosecutor has now transferred the perpetrator to a judiciary, as reported today . The fire damage is enormous: the living room of the fire apartment has been heavily devastated, the ceiling in the anteroom is charred, and the staircase also has considerable damage. The walls are sooty and a biting smell moves through the corridors.

But that was not the only fire -threatening incident in the area. An arson attack on a blue construction site toilet, which is located at the entrance to the Maria Name church, also excited the people's minds. Pastor Jesus David Jaen Villalobos suspects that it is deliberate arson because the construction site is being renovated. The toilet has almost completely melted, and fire accelerators were apparently used. The damage is also significant here: the front door, the intermediate roof made of wood, the staircase and glass elements in the facade are affected. Villalobos estimates the total damage to several thousand euros. Residents noticed the smoke and alerted the emergency services, the police are now investigating unknown perpetrators on suspicion of property damage caused by fire. A connection with the current risk situation has been excluded, which ensures some reassurance in the neighborhood. The Kronen Zeitung also informs that the fire group of the Vienna State Criminal Police Office has already been switched on to advance the investigation.

high arson rates in Vienna

As the statistics of the Federal Criminal Police Office show, arson has been an increasing problem in recent years. In Germany, an increase in the police was documented between 2014 and 2024, which throws another light on the danger situation. In Austria, too, the numbers are almost alarming, and ultimately there could be a connection with the large number of fire cases that have been registered in Vienna in recent years. Statista provides a comprehensive overview of these frightening numbers and gives a hint to counter the arson.

These incidents not only raise questions about security in our city, but also show the need to take further prevention measures. Especially in a district like Ottakring, which has been in the headlines in the past through numerous questionable incidents, it is of central importance that the public prosecutor and the police are determined to ensure peaceful coexistence.