Two suspects identified in Hallein school library arson

Police in Salzburg, Austria, have identified two suspects in a May arson attack that devastated the library of Hallein High School. The suspects, a 16-year-old student at the school and her 17-year-old friend, are accused of starting the fire with a significant amount of gasoline.

The blaze, which occurred in the early morning of May 11, caused an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 euros in damage and destroyed hundreds of books. Fortunately, no one was injured as the fire broke out shortly after 3 a.m. The school's caretaker, living in an on-site apartment, heard explosions and alerted the fire department. Functional fire doors and the swift response of emergency services prevented the fire from spreading to other parts of the school.

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The investigations are not yet concluded.

While the 17-year-old accomplice has confessed to starting the fire, the 16-year-old main suspect has exercised her right to remain silent. Authorities have not yet determined a motive for the arson. Investigations are ongoing, and police have not ruled out further developments.

The library fire led to ten days of suspended in-person classes at the school. However, the central written matriculation exams proceeded as scheduled in the building. The school was cleared for use after laboratory tests confirmed the premises were safe.

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The investigations are not yet concluded.