– I could hear them scratching at the door but couldn’t open it. It was very hard, he says.
He had called 112 but was ordered to keep the door closed.
Had to skip his exam
Andreas had worked late and picked up the shirt he was to wear to his graduation the next day to celebrate his completion of two and a half years of studies in production technology. But there was never any celebration.
– I had to skip it. I didn’t have the time, energy or desire. I sat and talked to the police instead, he says.
The cats most important
But when he stood outside the door waiting for the emergency services and ambulance, he wasn’t thinking about graduation – but the cats.
– They mean everything to me, he says.
Finally, smoke divers found them – alive. Zelda has had to be admitted to the animal hospital in Kalmar because it was uncertain whether she would survive.
– It was incredibly difficult. She still can’t eat by herself and needs to be fed. Cortana is very upset and does not dare to come forward at all, he says.
Feeling of being stuck
Now, a few days after the fire, Andreas lives in a hotel with his cats and has sleeping problems.
– If I manage to sleep, I only dream that it’s on fire. I feel like crap, he says.
He has received support from friends and family and many have contacted him.
– But the mental part is hard. I can’t do what I want, I can’t even cook here. I’m stuck and don’t get any information, he says.
He doesn’t know how damaged his things or the apartment is but can’t imagine moving back there.
– I’ve lived there for six years but I don’t feel safe enough to move back there now. I even have trouble opening closed doors, he says.
No known threat image
According to the police, there is no known threat and Andreas thinks he was unlucky to be exposed as his apartment was on the ground floor closest to the gate.
– If it is intended as a prank, you have to think one step further. There may be both children and animals in the apartment. They might as well have killed my cats. And if it is children or young people who have done it, the parents must take their responsibility and keep a better eye, he says.
In the video, Andreas tells how it happened when he got home to the apartment and discovered the fire.