Germany building fire: Visit to friend’s place turns tragic for Nova

Nova Sabu, 25, a native of Kattappana in Idukki district, was killed in a firethat broke out at an apartment building at Bochum, Germany, on Tuesday after getting trapped in the building while visiting her friend.According to her relative Vinod Kumar, a retired police officer, Nova had gone to visit Anjali Sheela Joy, a Kollam native, who was also killed in the accident.“Nova had earlier worked with Anjali and went to visit her for the weekend. Nova had been staying near her own workplace,” Mr. Kumar said.He added that Nova died just before she was scheduled to begin a new job. “She recently received an offer letter for a job at a hotel, but lost her life before she could join,” he said.Nova had worked as a fitness trainer in Keralam before moving to Germany in July.“We received information that after police procedures were completed, the body was handed over to a repatriation agency,” Mr. Kumar said. “Offices are closed for the weekend from Friday evening to Sunday in Germany. We expect the body to arrive in Keralam by Tuesday or Wednesday. Idukki MP Dean Kuriakose and other officials are continuing their efforts to bring the mortal remains home at the earliest,” he said.Nova’s father, K.P. Sabu, is a retired sub inspector, and her mother, Jyothi P.N., is a public health nurse at the Chempakara Government Hospital in Idukki. Published - October 15, 2026 08:46 pm IST