Man is charged with murder and eight counts of attempted murder after killer house fire in Hounslow: Victim is named

Published: 01:45, 25 August 2026 | Updated: 01:58, 25 August 2026 A man has been charged with murder and eight counts of attempted murder following a fatal west London house fire that left one dead and eight injured. Pawel Kupla, 34, faces charges of one count of murder, eight counts of attempted murder and one count of arson to endanger life in connection with a fire that broke out at an address in Hounslow on Wednesday, August 19. Kupla, of no fixed address, was remanded in custody on Monday after he was apprehended by Kent Police on Sunday while travelling on a train to France. He will appear at Willesden Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 25. At around 1am on Wednesday, emergency services responded to reports of a house fire on Berkeley Avenue in Hounslow. Officers attended the scene alongside the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service. Nine people were rushed to hospital as a result of their injuries. Kupla's arrest comes as the Met Police named 50-year-old Anna Kowalska as the tragic victim of the blaze. Ms Kowalska's next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. Pawel Kupla has been charged in connection with a fatal house fire in Hounslow that left one dead and eight others injured (Pictured: Police outside a fire damaged property following a fire on Berkeley Avenue) Nine people were rushed to hospital, where one woman, named as 50-year-old Anna Kowalska, died despite the best efforts of medical staff (Pictured: Fire damage to a property) Kupla faces charges of one count of murder, eight counts of attempted murder and one count of arson to endanger life  Police at the scene of a fire on Berkeley Avenue in Hounslow, where a fatal fire broke out during the early hours of Wednesday Nine people were rushed to hospital with injuries. Seven have since been discharged (Pictured: The charred front facing side of the property in question) In a statement released on Monday, the Met Police said their investigation remains ongoing  The force also confirmed a 40-year-old woman remains in hospital in a life-threatening condition. The seven other victims - six men and one woman – have since been discharged after receiving treatment for minor injuries. Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Our thoughts remain first and foremost with the victim's family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time, as well as everyone who has been injured. 'Our investigation is continuing at pace and we have arrested one man in connection with the incident. 'Detectives are continuing to build a full picture of the circumstances surrounding the incident and are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry. 'We continue to ask any witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to please contact us as soon as possible.' In a statement released on Monday, the Met Police said their investigation remains ongoing. The force has urged anyone with information or footage connected to the incident to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 359/19Aug. Information can also be anonymously submitted through the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.