Trial Begins for Man Accused of Starting Deadly Fire at Wellington Hostel

Wellington's High Court has opened the trial of a man accused of starting a fire that killed five people at the Loafers Lodge hostel on Adelaide Rd in Newtown. The accused, whose identity remains suppressed for the duration of the trial, has pleaded not guilty to five counts of murder and two counts of arson. In addition, he is mounting a defense of insanity, alleging that he was not in full control of his actions at the time of the incident.

The fire broke out on May 16, 2023, around midnight. Eyewitnesses reported that flames erupted from an upper floor, sending residents scrambling out of the building in a state of panic. Many were found fleeing barefoot and in pyjamas, some still in their beds. Despite the efforts of firefighters, the blaze was fierce and difficult to contain. Fire crews had to pump such a large volume of water into the building that it was cascading out of windows, yet the fire continued to rage. At its height, nearly 90 firefighters were deployed to control the flames.

The tragedy left five lives lost: Mike Wahrlich, Liam Hockings, Peter O’Sullivan, Melvin Parun, and Kenneth Barnard. Their bodies were discovered days later among the charred remains of the hostel, which housed 99 residents at the time of the fire. In the aftermath, police conducted a two-week investigation to ensure all residents were accounted for and to gather evidence for the ongoing legal proceedings.

The accused is alleged to have started two fires at the hostel, with the second fire not fully developing. The trial, presided over by Justice Peter Churchman, is expected to last up to five weeks, as the court prepares to hear evidence from numerous witnesses, forensic experts, and fire investigators.

Separately, four individuals involved in the management and fire safety of the hostel have been charged with manslaughter. These charges are currently under investigation and will be addressed in a separate legal process.

The victims, who were all in their 50s, 60s, or older, have been remembered by friends and family in heartfelt tributes. The tragedy has left a deep scar on the community, with many expressing grief and outrage over the loss of life and the failure of fire safety measures that may have contributed to the disaster.

As the trial proceeds, the court will examine not only the actions of the accused but also the broader context of fire safety in New Zealand’s residential buildings. This case has already sparked calls for increased scrutiny of building regulations and emergency preparedness in similar establishments.