Bodies of Two Kerala Residents Killed in Germany Fire Brought Home

The mortal remains of Sivin Johny and Anjali Sheela Joy, who died in a fire at a residential building in Bochum, Germany, were brought to Kochi early Friday (October 23, 2026), officials said.

The body of the third victim, Nova Sabu, is expected to arrive at Cochin International Airport Limited by 8.15 pm, officials added.

The deceased were identified as Johny, 26, of Kalady in Ernakulam district; Sabu, 25, of Kattappana in Idukki district; and Joy, 27, of Chemmakkad in Kollam district.

According to reports, the three died in the fire at the residential building in Bochum last week.

Bodies received at Kochi airport

Officials at CIAL said the bodies of Johny and Joy arrived at the airport early Friday.

Relatives and public representatives received the bodies at the airport, after which they were taken to their native places in ambulances.

Johny’s body was taken to a hospital in Aluva to complete the formalities, officials said.

It was then scheduled to be shifted to his residence at Manickamangalam near Kalady.

Family members said funeral prayers would begin at his house at 2 pm, followed by burial at St Rocky’s Church in Manickamangalam.

The body of Joy was also taken to her hometown after the formalities were completed, officials said.

Arrangements for repatriation

State government agency NORKA Roots made arrangements to bring the bodies to Keralam, officials said.

Earlier, Chief Minister VD Satheesan announced that the State government would bear the expenses of bringing the mortal remains to Keralam.

The arrival of the bodies allows the families of Johny and Joy to proceed with the funeral arrangements, while arrangements remain for bringing Sabu’s body to CIAL.

Source: The Hindu