Loafers Lodge fire
 | A request that this article title be changed to 2023 Wellington hostel fire is under discussion. Please do not move this article until the discussion is closed. |
 Loafers Lodge in August 2021 | |
| Date | 16 May 2023 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Loafers Lodge |
| Location | Newtown, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 41°18′24″S 174°46′40″E / 41.30674°S 174.77773°E |
| Type | Fire |
| Cause | Unknown |
| Deaths | 6 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 20 |
| Missing | 11 |
| Property damage | Fire damage, partial collapse of building |
On 16 May 2023, a fire broke out at the 92-bed Loafers Lodge in Newtown, Wellington, New Zealand. At least six people were killed, twenty injured and nine are missing.[1] On 18 May a man was charged with arson.[2]
Background
The four-storey building was constructed in 1971 as a multi-storey office and warehouse building called Mertex House. Since 2006, the building has been occupied by Loafers Lodge.[3]
The building previously served as a place of emergency residential housing contracted by the New Zealand Government.[4]
The building's Warrant of Fitness (BWoF) was renewed in March 2023. BWoF records show the building had a "type 3" fire alarm system (automatic system with heat detectors and manual call points) supplemented by smoke detectors.[5] Fire sprinklers were not installed in the building,[6] as it was not required by the Building Code.[7]
Incident
A fire broke out on the top floor of the 92-room lodge around 12:25 am (NZST).[6] It is unclear how many people were in the hostel when the fire occurred,[8] however, 52 people were evacuated from the building and at least five were rescued from the roof by Fire and Emergency.[9]
Investigation
On 17 May 2023, police announced they were treating the fire as arson and had launched a homicide inquiry.[10] At the time, police would not say whether accelerants were used in the fire or why they believe it was deliberately lit.[11] On 18 May, a man was arrested and charged with 2 counts of arson, police did not rule out further charges.[2]
Reactions
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins called the fire an absolute tragedy.[12] Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson said the fire was absolutely devastating.[9] Wellington mayor Tory Whanau called the fire "one of the darkest days in the city".[13]
References
- ^ "Hostel fire: Hearse arrives as police recover two bodies". NZ Herald. 18 May 2023.
- ^ a b "Man charged with two counts of arson after fatal hostel fire". NZ Herald. 18 May 2023. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
- ^ Sharpe, Marty (15 May 2023). "Wellington fatal hostel fire: What is Loafers Lodge?". Stuff. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ McClure, Tess (16 May 2023). "New Zealand hostel fire: at least six dead and 11 missing in Wellington blaze". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ "Loafers Lodge had a building WOF, but what exactly does that mean?". RNZ. 16 May 2023. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
- ^ a b "Live: 'Tragic event for all involved': Crews on scene after Wellington hostel fire leaves at least six dead". ABC News. 15 May 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ Coughlan, Thomas (16 May 2023). "Why Loafers Lodge didn't have sprinklers - and firefighter fears over ageing trucks". NZ Herald. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ Arias, Tatiana; Subramaniam, Tara (16 May 2023). "At least six dead after fire engulfs hostel in New Zealand capital". CNN. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ a b "Fatal Wellington hostel fire: Fire alarms did not sound at scene, resident says". RNZ. 16 May 2023. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ Chin, Frances (17 May 2023). "Police confirm arson investigation as teams move into Loafers Lodge". Stuff. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
- ^ Graham-McLay, Charlotte (17 May 2023). "Deadly Wellington hostel fire being treated as arson, police say". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
- ^ Sullivan, Helen (15 May 2023). "Wellington hostel fire latest news: six people dead and many missing in New Zealand blaze". the Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ "A 'dark day' for Wellington - Mayor on tragic hostel fire". 1News. 16 May 2023. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
