New Zealand Police Say Hostel Fire That Killed 6 Was Arson, Launch Homicide Investigation

New Zealand Police Say Hostel Fire That Killed 6 Was Arson, Launch Homicide Investigation
Morning light bathes the scene after an apartment fire at Loafers Lodge in Wellington, New Zealand, on May 17, 2023. George Heard/New Zealand Herald via AP
The Associated Press
Updated:

WELLINGTON, New Zealand—New Zealand police said Wednesday they believe a fire that killed at least six people in a Wellington hostel was arson and launched a homicide investigation.

Police Inspector Dion Bennett said they haven’t yet arrested anybody but they have a list of people they want to speak to and hope to quickly identify any suspects. He declined to say if they had found accelerant or other evidence of criminal behavior at the scene.