Police have arrested two suspects following a house collapse in Görlitz that killed three people. The men are suspected of damaging pipes, which may have caused a gas explosion.
On May 18, 2026, a house in the James-von-Moltke-Straße in Görlitz collapsed following a suspected gas explosion. Two Romanian tourists aged 25 and 26 and a 48-year-old Bulgarian-German man lost their lives. Police arrested a 27-year-old Pole and a 33-year-old Afghan. Both men were already in custody for other matters. Investigators suspect the men, acting as metal thieves, manipulated pipes and thereby triggered the explosion. Police and prosecutors are investigating on suspicion of causing an explosion with fatalities in conjunction with negligent homicide. Authorities are appealing for witness information and offering a reward of 5000 euros.