WELLINGTON: New Zealand police launched a homicide inquiry into a hostel fire in Wellington that claimed the lives of at least six people.
Officials confirmed they were treating the blaze as an act of arson and said up to 20 citizens were still missing. Investigators were delayed until Wednesday from thoroughly scouting the building due to the fire’s destruction. Police said they couldn’t specify the number of deaths until they could gain full access.
On Wednesday, a reconnaissance search team was sent in. Firefighters found six bodies.
Police did not disclose the identities of the dead and those missing – some of whom might be unaccounted for other reasons, they said. The blaze broke out Monday at the four-story Loafers Lodge hostel in the capital just after midnight.
Residents were forced to safely crawl through the smoke while firefighters rescued others from the roof.
On Wednesday, Wellington Police confirmed they’re treating the fire as a criminal matter. Acting Wellington District Commander Dion Bennett said, “I can confirm that we’re treating the fire as arson.”
“This scene examination would be an extensive and methodical process, and we can expect it to take some time – likely many days.”
PM Chris Hipkins has called the fire “an absolute tragedy,” while fire authorities had described the blaze as the capital city’s “worst nightmare.”
Loafers Lodge Hostel offered 92 rooms and catered to short- and long-term guests.
It was designated by the Ministry of Social Development in 2011 as an emergency accommodation provider. Official data show that more than 3,300 households live in emergency housing as of February.
Local media reported that its customers ranged from shift employees like nurses and hospital staff to unemployed and homeless people.
