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Acting Wellington district commander Inspector Dion Bennett is providing an update on the deadly fire at Loafers Lodge in central Wellington that has claimed at least six lives.
“This afternoon I expect we will commence recovering bodies from Loafers Lodge,” Bennett said.
He said two bodies could be taken out today.
He said two bodies would be taken out on Friday.
Bennett said the damage on the third floor of the Newtown hostel was significant.
“The debris is piled high.”
He said before the first body was taken out of Loafers Lodge there would be a karakia. The bodies will be taken to Wellington Hospital’s morgue.
What we know
Police are carrying out a thorough examination of the Adelaide Rd hostel after Tuesday’s early-morning blaze, which they believe was deliberately lit.
Six people are confirmed dead, but this number may well rise. Police are now treating the fire as homicide investigation.
One person is in hospital. Fewer than 20 people are unaccounted for.
Bennett said on Wednesday police had people of interest on their radar.
Police are also investigating reports of a couch fire at Loafers Lodge two hours before the fatal fire.
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