On September 29, 2024, a series of arson incidents in Essen, Germany, left around 30 people injured, including two young children in critical condition due to smoke inhalation.

A 41-year-old Syrian man has been arrested in connection with the fires and is also suspected of crashing a delivery van into two grocery stores shortly afterward.

Authorities believe the suspect intended to harm residents who supported his ex-wife, as he struggled to cope with their separation.

The suspect has a prior history with law enforcement, including threats and property damage, and prosecutors are seeking to keep him in custody on charges of arson and attempted murder.

Witnesses reported that the suspect threatened bystanders with weapons but was subdued by several individuals using shovels and poles until police arrived.

Firefighters faced a dramatic situation as residents were trapped, with some hanging out of windows signaling for help.

Emergency services responded simultaneously to three separate fire locations on the evening of the incident.

The fires broke out shortly after 5:00 PM in two multi-family homes located in the Altenessen and Stoppenberg neighborhoods.

Essen's Mayor, Thomas Kufen, stated that the arson attacks appeared to be targeted at a specific family, raising concerns for the safety of small children.

This incident has raised significant concerns regarding public safety and the effectiveness of local crime prevention measures.

Oliver Huth, head of the North Rhine-Westphalia branch of the Criminal Police Union, noted an increase in domestic violence cases since the pandemic, highlighting the need for caution in such situations.

Authorities initially categorized the incident as a family drama, believing it was motivated by revenge for the suspect's separation from his wife.