Rotorua teen's death: No evidence of Molotov cocktail

A fire which killed a Rotorua teenager started near mechanical equipment and police say there is nothing to support claims a molotov cocktail was used.

Rotorua teenager Mihinui Tamiana died during the fire at an industrial building on Riri St on Sunday morning.

A few hours earlier police were called to the building to shut down a party.

A friend of Mihinui said she believed a molotov cocktail was thrown into the building and started the fire but Detective Senior Sergeant Zane Smith said there was nothing to support those claims.

"We fully appreciate that the family of the teenager who died and the wider community want to know what caused this fire. It has been a tragic loss of life and it is vital that we are thorough in our investigation," he said.

"We can confirm that the fire started inside the building in the vicinity of some mechanical equipment. As yet no witness has confirmed the use of a molotov cocktail and as yet no physical evidence has been found to support that theory."

Mr Smith said it was important that police work through the physical evidence and witness accounts and keep an open mind as to the cause of the fire.

He said police still had a large number of people to speak to who were present at either the fire or the earlier party.

"As previously stated the ages and physical and emotional well-being of witnesses have to be considered; a number of them are grieving and in shock. One 17-year-old witness remains in hospital and it is not clear yet when police will be able to speak with him," Mr Smith said.

Anyone with information about this fire should contact Rotorua police on (07) 348 0099. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.