Lucy Kramer
WELLINGTON (Reuters) – A 48-year-old homeless man appeared in a New Zealand courtroom on Friday charged with two counts of arson after police discovered a fifth physique within the charred stays of a hostel within the capital Wellington.
A hearth broke out on the highest flooring of Loafers Lodge within the suburb of Newtown within the early hours of Tuesday, inflicting in depth structural harm that’s hampering restoration efforts.
New Zealand Fireplace and Emergency Providers confirmed earlier this week that the dying toll was no less than six, however Wellington District Police Appearing Commander Inspector Dion Bennett stated solely 5 our bodies and fewer than 10 folks had been recognized at this stage. are thought-about lacking.
“Till we totally examine all components of the constructing, we do not wish to affirm a selected dying toll,” Bennett stated at a information convention Friday.
The boarding home offered lodging for folks together with builders, hospital workers and people receiving illness and incapacity advantages, and a few serving sentences in the neighborhood for minor offences.
The 48-year-old, who can’t be named no less than till his subsequent courtroom look, appeared briefly within the Wellington District Court docket on Friday afternoon. He appeared excited within the dock sporting a black hooded sweatshirt, dancing and making hand gestures for the media.
“Another person did it,” he shouted earlier than the choose instructed him to relax. He additionally stated that he was firing his lawyer, on condition that he was not going to make bail.
His pursuits proceed to be represented by a lawyer. He was remanded in custody till subsequent month. Further charges could apply.
Bennett stated police have but to enter components of the constructing because it stays unsafe attributable to structural points, they usually proceed to work to make it safer.
“The investigation of the scene will proceed over the weekend and we hope to get the fifth individual as quickly as potential,” Bennett stated.
