Wellington hostel fire

Acting Wellington District Commander Inspector Dion Bennett says there was a couch fire at Loafers Lodge at around 10.30pm on Monday night, prior to the fatal fire which occurred around two hours later.

“The couch fire was not reported to emergency services at the time. As part of our enquiries, we will be seeking to confirm any link between that couch fire and the subsequent fatal fire.”

Firefighters have found six bodies inside the building, but police would not have a confirmed number of fatalities until investigators had been able to search all of the damaged building.

Loafers Lodge hosts short- and long-term boarders on a budget, and could house more than 90 people at capacity.