Turkish-Bulgarian Family Victims Of Monday's House Fire In Germany, Say Officials

Four members of a Turkish-Bulgarian immigrant family were victims of Monday's house fire in Germany's Solingen city, authorities said on Tuesday.

Türkiye's consulate general in Dusseldorf expressed deep sorrow for the loss of lives among community members and wished all injured a speedy recovery, in a condolence message posted on social media.

"We sincerely hope that the true nature of this fire will be investigated and clarified as soon as possible. For this, our Consulate General will continue to stay in contact with the relevant authorities," it said.

Monday's fire at a four-story house in Solingen, western Germany, claimed the lives of a man, his wife, and their two children, according to the local authorities.

The victims' identities were not immediately released, but their neighbors told local media that they were Bulgarian citizens of Turkish origin.

According to the fire department, the blaze broke out in the early hours of the day on the first floor and quickly went out of control. The victims were believed to have been trapped on one of the upper floors when the ageing structure's wooden stairs burst into flames.

At least 21 people were rescued from the building, with nine taken to the hospital with serious injuries, including two in critical condition, according to a fire department spokesman.

Solingen's mayor Tim Kurzbach said on Monday that a police investigation was underway in cooperation with other state authorities.

"I would ask you to wait and see what the further investigations reveal. In my view, everyone should refrain from making speculations at such a moment. The police and the public prosecutor's office are doing everything that needs to be done," he told reporters. -