Six people were killed at Loafers Lodge hostel and a homicide investigation is now underway
New Zealand police are treating the fire at a hostel in Wellington as arson.
Six people were killed at Loafers Lodge and a homicide investigation is now underway.
Firefighters say they were unable to search everywhere because the roof had partially collapsed on the top floor with fears the death toll may rise.
Acting District Commander, Inspector Dion Bennett says the police have a list of people they want to speak to.
“This scene examination will be an extensive and methodical process, and we expect it to take some time,” he said.
“I can confirm that we are treating the fire as arson.”
Police say they are treating the fire as suspicious, and confirmed there was an earlier fire at the building hours before the deadly blaze.
It had not been reported to emergency services at the time.
“We will be seeking to confirm any link between that couch fire and the subsequent fatal fire,” Inspector Bennett said.
