Refugees escape a fire – and the homeowner is prosecuted for arson
A 40-year-old woman from the Mühlviertel region is facing trial in Linz after being accused of deliberately setting fire to her own property, a former restaurant that was converted into refugee housing. The case dates back to the night of September 10, 2024, when a massive fire broke out in Schönau im Mühlkreis in the Freistadt area.
That night, more than 200 firefighters were called to combat the flames that engulfed the old building. There were 17 refugees from Afghanistan, Somalia, and Turkey residing in it at the time of the incident. Six of them were taken to the hospital for suspected smoke inhalation, while alternative housing was quickly provided for the others.
Investigators quickly concluded that the fire was not accidental. According to the investigation results, three separate ignition sites were identified within the building. Burnt mattresses, toilet paper, and burning waste were also found in the former restaurant known as 'Oberndorfer Stubm.' The evidence also indicates the removal of fire alarms, storage of flammable materials, and tampering with doors, which confirms suspicion of deliberate action.
The prosecution says that the woman's financial problems may have been her motive for starting the fire. The building was linked to her bankrupt business, and it is believed that she tried to destroy it in a desperate attempt to escape her situation.
The accused admitted to being at the scene of the fire on the night it broke out but denied that she started it. If convicted, she could face a prison sentence ranging from one to ten years. The trial is still ongoing as the court continues to review the evidence against her.