Dresden State Operetta in flames: children suspected of being arsonists!

Dresden State Operetta in flames: children suspected of being arsonists!

A tragic incident has shaken the city of Dresden. In the middle of Saturday night, a devastating fire broke out in the former home of the state operetta, which led to extensive investigations. The police targeted three children aged eleven and twelve. According to faz.net, the girls are suspected of setting fire to paper in the empty building. The investigators rely on statements from witnesses and video material to shed light on the events of the crime.

The fire broke out on Friday evening and kept the fire brigade busy until Saturday night. The historic building, which was recently empty, burned down completely and the auditorium partially collapsed. The police estimate the property damage at a six to seven-figure amount. Reports of vandalism in the past suggest that the building in the Leuben district was a popular target for uninvited guests.

Investigations are in full swing

The exact circumstances of the fire will not be explained in more detail for reasons of protecting minors. However, those organizing the investigation hope to obtain further information about how the fire happened. The Dresden State Operetta has been based in the former Mitte power plant in downtown Dresden since the end of 2016, which further underlines the tragedy of the incident.

In another shocking incident in the city, a fire was reported in a high-rise building in Johannstadt district on February 17, 2025. The fire brigade found a couple's apartment on the eleventh floor, where a devastating fire broke out, claiming two lives. According to mdr.de it is an 87-year-old couple. Despite attempts at resuscitation, the two later died in hospital.

The cause of the fire is still unclear, but the investigation points to negligent arson. A 78-year-old woman from the apartment below was injured and also had to be taken to hospital. The entire high-rise building was evacuated and around 40 residents were temporarily cared for on a bus. According to the housing association, repairing the damage in the affected apartments will take around six months.

Significantly, statistics show that seniors are twice as likely to die in house fires. This highlights the urgency of fire protection measures and education in the affected residential complexes.

Recent incidents highlight not only the dangers of fire, but also the responsibility we all bear when dealing with fire prevention and safety. Whether in empty buildings or inhabited high-rise buildings - a good hand is required here to avoid accidents and protect fate.