Authorities in New Zealand have arrested a suspect in connection with a fire at a hostel on Tuesday that killed at least six people.
Although the guy has been charged with two counts of arson, police say they are not ruling out "further, more serious charges in relation to the deaths at the scene."
A spokeswoman said on Thursday that Police are not looking for any other person in connection with the fire.
According to a statement from Fire and Emergency New Zealand, firefighters were called to the Loafers Lodge hostel in the city centre shortly after midnight local time. They discovered the top floor of the four-story building well alight.
Did you read this?
Fifty-two individuals were evacuated while firefighters battled the fire.
A hostel guest, Tala Sili, told CNN affiliate Radio NZ that the event was "really scary."
He claimed that he observed smoke coming from under his door on the hostel's top floor and leapt two storeys onto the roof of a neighbouring building, where he was eventually rescued by paramedics and treated for a sprained ankle.
According to local legislator Paul Eagle, the nomadic nature of many of the building's tenants made it difficult for officials to ascertain who may have been inside during the fire.
The Loafers Lodge website states that the hostel has 92 rooms with common areas, kitchens, and laundry facilities within walking distance of Wellington Hospital in Newtown.
Grant Robertson, MP for Wellington Central, told reporters that many homeowners had "lost absolutely everything that they had."
On Tuesday, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins visited the scene and extended his condolences to the victims and their families.
According to Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau, a mayoral relief fund has been established through the Wellington City Mission for people affected by the fire.
Whanau stated in a video posted on her Facebook page that most of the inhabitants evacuated from the hostel were taken to a safe location where they were provided food, shelter, and warm blankets.
During a press conference, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had spoken with Hipkins and offered to assist if needed.
