New Zealand Hostel Fire: Homeless Man Charged with Murder of Five People

A 48-year-old homeless man is being charged with murder over a fatal fire at a New Zealand hostel. Five people died in the fire in Wellington.

Police believe the man deliberately started the fire. Earlier on the night of the fatal fire, a sofa in the hostel had also been set on fire.

A motive for the arson is not yet known. According to his lawyer, the man has psychological problems. He could face life for murder, or 14 years in prison if found guilty only of arson.

The Loafers Lodge had room for 92 residents of all backgrounds. There were construction workers and staff from the nearby hospital, but the municipality also took in people who needed temporary shelter.

The victims were between 50 and 68 years old.

Fighting the fire was difficult because part of the building collapsed during the fire. There were also no sprinklers in the building. According to the building regulations, this was not necessary, but according to the fire brigade, a lot of suffering could have been prevented.