Auckland Nightclub Fire Now Under Suspicion as Police Investigate

A late-night fire in the basement of an Auckland nightclub has police suspecting foul play. Emergency services responded quickly after flames were spotted at G.A.Y nightclub on Karangahape Road at 1:40 a.m. on Sunday.

Upon arrival, fire crews discovered a significant blaze measuring 40x20 meters in the venue's two-storey basement. Thankfully, they managed to control the flames and clear the building of smoke, preventing further damage.

Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Friend confirmed that the fire, which started in a rubbish bin inside the nightclub's bathroom, is now considered suspicious. "Based on the information we've gathered so far, we believe the fire was set intentionally," Friend stated. "Our investigation is still in its early stages, and we are reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses to determine the cause."

Fire and Emergency New Zealand reported that an automatic alarm was triggered just before 1:40 a.m., and the road was temporarily closed while responders worked. The fire’s impact was minimal, with only one person requiring treatment for smoke inhalation, administered by Hato Hone St John.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are keeping all possibilities open as they continue their inquiries into the incident.

Via NZHerald