Two men charged with murder over fatal Hounslow flat fire

Pawel Kupla, 34, and Slawomir Alama, 41, have appeared at the Old Bailey charged in connection with a fatal arson attack on a block of flats in Hounslow. The fire, which occurred on August 19, resulted in the death of Anna Kowalska, 50, and injuries to eight other residents.

Details of the Allegations

Prosecutor Julian Evans told the court that the defendants are accused of using petrol to set fire to the building's door on Berkeley Avenue. He stated that the fire ignited and spread through the premises, filling the address with thick black smoke. Two occupants were trapped on the top floor, with one succumbing to the fire and the other remaining in critical condition in hospital. The remaining seven occupants suffered non-life-threatening smoke inhalation and received hospital treatment.

Kupla, who has no fixed address, was arrested on August 23 in the Eurotunnel. Alama, of Bath Road, Hounslow, was arrested in Leeds on August 24. Alama also faces an additional charge of possession of a knife in a public place.

Court Proceedings

Both defendants appeared in court via video-link, with Kupla at Wandsworth prison and Alama at Wormwood Scrubs. They were assisted by a Polish interpreter and confirmed their identities. Judge Simon Mayo KC set a timetable for the case, including a plea hearing on November 12. A provisional two-week trial has been scheduled to begin on June 7, 2025. Kupla and Alama were remanded into custody.