A man has been arrested in Tonga in connection with the recent blaze at Loumaile Lodge, Prime Minister and Minister of Police Lord Fakafanua has confirmed.
His announcement follows growing public concern after a series of fires struck central Nuku’alofa within days of each other.
According to Lord Fakafanua, firefighters discovered a canister inside the burnt structure, prompting police to treat the case as suspicious.
Fire and Emergency Services were able to save around 90 percent of the building despite the blaze breaking out on the second floor of the abandoned commercial property.
The confirmation of the arrest comes as authorities are also investigating another fire that destroyed a significant portion of the Tonga Hou‘eiki Church office, located less than a kilometre from Loumaile Lodge.
That earlier blaze consumed about 60 percent of the office building and sent thick smoke across the capital, prompting evacuations and a heavy emergency response.
The two incidents, occurring just days apart, have heightened concerns in the community as police attempt to determine whether the fires are connected.
Investigations into both blazes remain ongoing.
