Firefighters give emotional testimony in Loafers Lodge murder trial

Tuesday 26 August 2025 · 5 outlets · 4 reports · updated Tue 26 Aug 2025, 5:29pm

First responders testified in the High Court regarding the 2023 Loafers Lodge hostel fire in Wellington. Firefighters described escaping a building collapse and a near-fatal flashover. The trial involves a 50-year-old man accused of arson and five counts of murder in relation to the blaze.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldTue 26 Aug 2025, 1:12pm

   Loafers Lodge murder trial: Firefighters explain narrow escape from deadly fire (opens in new tab)

2. RNZTue 26 Aug 2025, 2:57pm

   Firefighter who battled Loafers Lodge blaze tells of escaping as building came down (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Post (opens in new tab)

3. StuffTue 26 Aug 2025, 3:27pm

   Loafers Lodge trial: Wellington firefighters emotional in court (opens in new tab)

4. 1NewsTue 26 Aug 2025, 5:29pm

   Loafers Lodge fire: Tears in court as first responders testify (opens in new tab)