Hounslow house fire: man charged with murder and eight attempted murders

Pawel Kulpa, 34, faces charges of murder, arson and attempted murder after a fatal fire on Berkeley Avenue, Hounslow. One woman died; another remains in a life-threatening condition.

Hounslow blaze kills one woman, leaves eight hospitalised

A 34-year-old man has been charged with murder, eight counts of attempted murder and one count of arson with intent to endanger life following a fatal house fire in west London, The Independent reports.

Pawel Kulpa was charged after fire crews and ambulance crews were called to a property on Berkeley Avenue, Hounslow, at approximately 1.14am on 19 August. Nine people were taken to hospital as a result of their injuries.

A 50-year-old woman, named by the Metropolitan Police as Anna Kowalska, died in hospital. Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. A second woman, aged 40, remains in hospital in a life-threatening condition. The remaining seven — six men and one woman — have since been discharged after treatment for minor injuries.

Images from the scene show the exterior of a light-coloured terraced house blackened by fire, with window frames visibly damaged.

The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed on Monday that Kulpa had been charged following a murder investigation launched shortly after the fire. Lisa Ramsarran, chief crown prosecutor for London North, said: "The Crown Prosecution Service has decided to prosecute Pawel Kulpa for murder, attempted murder and arson following a fatal fire in Hounslow, west London which resulted in the murder of a 48-year-old woman and the injury of eight others."

Ramsarran added that prosecutors had worked closely with the Metropolitan Police to establish sufficient evidence to bring the case to court, and would continue to do so as the investigation progresses.

She also issued a reminder that proceedings are active and that Kulpa retains the right to a fair trial, cautioning against any reporting, commentary or online sharing of information that could prejudice the case.

Kulpa is scheduled to appear at Willesden Magistrates' Court on 25 August.

Source: The Independent