New Zealand
After hostel fire: arrested for arson
The damage caused by the fire can also be clearly seen on the outside façade. photo
© Masanori Udagawa/AAP/dpa
A search is still underway for missing people after a blaze at a Wellington hostel. A suspect has since been arrested.
After the deadly fire at a hostel in New Zealand’s capital Wellington, the police arrested a suspect. The man was arrested on Thursday afternoon (local time), Radio New Zealand reported, citing the security forces. He is accused of arson. However, the charges could be expanded in connection with the victims of the blaze.
The fire at Loafers Lodge in the Newtown district broke out late Monday evening. On Tuesday, the authorities had spoken of at least six dead and eleven missing. The exact number of dead is still unclear. Emergency services have now been able to recover two bodies from the building, which was completely destroyed inside, as it was said on Thursday.
On Wednesday, the police began searching the hostel for missing people and recovering the victims who had already been located. Traces should also be secured. Police chief Dion Bennett said no other suspects are currently being sought.