WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND – A man has been charged with murder in connection with a fire that engulfed a Wellington budget hostel last month, killing five people. The 22-year-old defendant, who was originally charged with arson, is accused of starting the blaze by lighting a couch on fire, which quickly spread throughout the four-story Loafers Lodge hostel. The building had no sprinklers, and all five victims were found on the third floor, where the fire is believed to have started.
The accused has yet to enter a plea and has been granted name suppression by the judge, which is customary in the New Zealand legal system. If found guilty of murder, the charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, while the arson charges carry a maximum sentence of 14 years imprisonment.
The hostel was the temporary home to a number of immigrants and refugees, with over 100 people staying there at the time of the fire. Many people were able to escape in their night clothes, while others were rescued by firefighters. Five men lost their lives in the blaze, including well-known street performer Mike Wahrlich.
The tragedy has sparked a review of building regulations to see if they need to be updated. New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins called the incident “an absolute tragedy” and promised a thorough investigation. The police have carried out a two-week investigation of the building, which was destroyed in the fire.
This horrific event has left the community in shock and disbelief. To lose five lives in such a senseless act of violence is devastating. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims during this difficult time. As the investigation continues, we hope to see justice served and measures put in place to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
