Leipzig arsonist: Charged after Feuerteufel series in Lange Lene!

Leipzig arsonist: Charged after Feuerteufel series in Lange Lene!

In Leipzig-Probstheida, the public prosecutor's office has brought charges against a 40-year-old man who is suspected of being responsible for a series of fires in the “Lange Lene” apartment block. When the accused bought a deposit for his stay on February 2, 2025 while visiting relatives in Dresden, the excitement in the neighborhood had already increased noticeably. According to MDR, the man is said to have set fire four times in the basement of the prefabricated building built in 1968, thereby causing considerable damage to property.

The accusation is not only directed against arson, but also includes grievous bodily harm. A total of eleven residents suffered smoke inhalation in the fires, which occurred between November 5, 2024 and January 30, 2025. The incident on December 2, 2024 was particularly blatant, in which nine people were affected, three of whom had to be treated in hospital. The Leipzig public prosecutor's office cites the charges of aggravated arson in two cases and attempted aggravated arson, which indicates the seriousness of the crimes. The total damage is estimated at around 900,000 euros, particularly due to the extensive damage to electricity and water pipes within the building.

Details of the fire series

The fires occurred on November 5, 2024, November 6, 2024, December 2, 2024 and January 30, 2025. The 40-year-old was a resident of the house at the time of the crimes, which always took place in the basement area of ​​the apartment block. This made the situation even more worrying as he not only endangered the safety of his neighbors but also put his own life at risk. The accused was already known because he was convicted of serious arson and other crimes in 2018 and served a prison sentence of several years, which was accompanied by placement in a rehabilitation center.

After his arrest on February 2nd, the man is now in custody. The details of the investigation are currently confidential and will only be discussed in the main hearing, so further information must be requested from the press office of the Leipzig Regional Court.

Apartment block “Lange Lene”

The “Lange Lene” apartment block, also known as one of the longest prefabricated buildings in Germany, stretches over 335 meters and is named after the neighboring Lene-Voigt-Straße. Such residential complexes are typical of the architecture of the 1960s in the former GDR and today represent an important part of the city's history. The increasing awareness and fear about the safety of such residential areas are further reinforced by current incidents.

The trial against the accused will take place at the Leipzig Regional Court. The allegations and the details of the series of fires not only raise questions about safety in residential complexes, but also describe the challenges of dealing with repeat offenders and the risk of arson.