A man has been charged with murder, attempted murder and arson following a house fire in Hounslow that left one woman dead. Detectives launched a murder investigation after a 48-year-old woman died in the blaze at Berkeley Avenue, Hounslow, at just before 1am on Wednesday.
Charges and injuries
Eight additional people were taken to hospital with injuries, with one 40-year-old woman still fighting for her life. Pawel Kulpa, 34, has been charged over the fire, including one count of arson with intent to endanger life, as well as murder and attempted murder.
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.”
Scene and witness accounts
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 told Metro how “terrifying” the fire was, as flames were “very strong” and they could hear screaming coming from the house.
They praised one man, Satwant Singh, as a “hero” after he had run 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
Kulpa will appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, August 25.
