Loafers Lodge caught fire in the early hours of 16 May, 2023. Photo: RNZ /Angus Dreaver
Police have confirmed a total of five people died in the Loafers Lodge fire in Wellington.
Inspector Dion Bennett, acting Wellington district commander said a detailed, methodical search was carried out to find the victims of the 16 May fire.
Police have already released the names of those who died and were offering support to family members.
A scene examination was continuing and was expected to extend into next week, Bennett said.
The victims of the fire were Michael Wahrlich, 67, of Wellington who was known to many Wellingtonians as 'Mike the Juggler'; Melvin Joseph Parun, 68; Peter Glenn O'Sullivan, 64; Kenneth Barnard, 67; and Liam Hockings, 50.
