A lethal fireplace at a hostel in New Zealand is being handled as suspicious.

At least six individuals have been killed when the blaze broke out at Loafers Lodge on Monday night time, and several other others are unaccounted for.

Fire crews in Wellington have now handed the scene over to the police, and officers are hoping to enter the constructing inside hours.

The transfer has been delayed by considerations over the structural stability of the constructing.

Officials have warned that the investigation will probably be intensive, methodical and will take a number of days.

Inspector Dion Bennett mentioned: "Alongside the scene examination, officers will be working to locate and recover those who lost their lives in the fire.

"We know there are numerous individuals ready for information of household and pals - together with the residents who escaped the fireplace and are keenly ready for information of their fellow tenants.

"I again want to provide the reassurance that we have a large number of officers working on this investigation, with the aim of providing them the answers they need as quickly as possible."

Fifty-two individuals have been rescued by firefighters through the fireplace, described by Wellington's Mayor Tory Whanau as a "shock to the system".

"I'm devastated," she mentioned, including: "I'm feeling a lot of pain and emotion at those who have been lost".

Content Source: information.sky.com