New Zealand / Wellington Region

Loafers Lodge fire: Man arrested and charged with arson

21:38 pm on 18 May 2023

A drone being used by emergency services to inspect the Loafers Lodge hostel on Tuesday afternoon following the fire. Photo: RNZ/ Angus Dreaver

A man has been arrested and charged in relation to the fatal fire at Loafers Lodge in Wellington's Newtown on Monday night.

The death toll from the blaze was six, but it may be days before a final death toll was known. Two bodies were recovered from the scene on Thursday.

In a statement on Thursday night, police said a man had been arrested earlier in the afternoon and charged with two counts of arson.

The investigation into the fire was ongoing and police said they could not ruled out further, more serious charges in relation to the deaths at the scene.

Acting Wellington district commander inspector Dion Bennett said police were not seeking anyone else in relation to the fire.

The arrested man is set to appear in Wellington District Court on 19 May, 2023.