![]() ![]() Wellington mayor Tory Whanau says she's blown away by the compassion shown. Wellington's Mayoral Relief Fund has raised $143,000 for those affected by the Loafers Lodge tragedy. "We ask that people get in touch with us via 105, referencing Operation Rose."Ĭontact can also be made online at – please select the form 'Something Else'. Police are eager to speak to those residents, along with anyone else who may have information that could assist with their enquiries. "A number of officers spent the day at Newtown Park yesterday, speaking to evacuated residents, however we are aware that there may be residents who were evacuated from Loafers Lodge who went to other locations following the fire, and haven't been at Newtown Park." "As part of our enquiries, we will be seeking to confirm any link between that couch fire and the subsequent fatal fire. "The couch fire was not reported to emergency services at the time," Insp Bennett said. In Wednesday afternoon's update, police have confirmed there was a couch fire at around 10:30pm on Monday, just hours before the fatal blaze. "I again want to provide the reassurance that we have a large number of officers working on this investigation, with the aim of providing them the answers they need as quickly as possible." ![]() Insp Bennett said many people are waiting for news of family and friends, including residents who escaped the fire, and "are keenly waiting for news of their fellow tenants". "Alongside the scene examination, officers will be working to locate and recover those who lost their lives in the fire." Insp Bennett said the scene examination will be an "extensive and methodical process" and said it's expected to take some time, "likely several days". ![]() "Following a health and safety assessment, officers hope to enter the building this afternoon to begin a scene examination." Insp Bennett said police will continue to work with FENZ and other partners. In an update on Wednesday afternoon, Acting Wellington District Commander Inspector Dion Bennett confirmed FENZ has handed the investigation to police. In a statement on Wednesday, Stubbs said FENZ will continue to keep an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team at the scene to assist with any further work. "Particularly our frontline firefighter and Communication Centre staff who were the first responders on Tuesday." FENZ shift focusĪs police take on the lead role in the Loafers Lodge investigation, FENZ region manager Bruce Stubbs says the "big focus will be on the welfare of our people". It will also look at how these buildings receive their warrant of fitness. This is to see if there are any other buildings in a similar condition. Whanau said she's asked the Wellington City Council to begin "a wider piece of work" to understand the issues of the code and how widespread they are. Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau says she and her council will support the Government launching a review of Aotearoa's building code. Wellington Mayor throws support behind building code review Police want to speak to residents they have not yet spoken to and to anyone else who can help with their investigation.Ī scene guard will remain at the lodge for the duration of the examination. Police have accounted for 92 people and the number still to be accounted for will be less than 20, he said.Īlongside the scene examination, officers will also be working to locate and recover those who have lost their lives in the fire. The roof has collapsed and in places burnt debris was stacked as high as 1m. Insp Bennett said the damage inside was "extensive". He later also confirmed "it is a homicide inquiry". "However, I can confirm that we are treating the fire as arson," Insp Bennett said. Insp Bennett said the scene examination will likely take several days given the size of the building. He said a reconnaissance team has entered the lodge and is working to develop plans for a more extensive search, which is expected to commence on Thursday. ![]() Acting Wellington District Commander Inspector Dion Bennett confirmed police are treating the Loafers Lodge fire as arson. ![]()
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