Hamilton fire: Police still search for answers

Collingwood Street house in Hamilton, that claimed three young teenage lifes. Photo / Greg Bowker

Police are still unable to determine what caused a house fire that killed three people in November, but say they are committed to finding answers.

A villa in Collingwood Street, Hamilton, was engulfed in flames the night on November 15.
Toni Maree Johnston, 23, Jake Lindsey Hayes, 19, and Connor James Swetman, 17, all died in the blaze.

Detective Senior Sergeant Ross Patterson of the Hamilton CIB said forensic results didn't provide any leads.

"To date the cause of the fire remains undetermined but we are continuing our investigation and we will be reviewing our exhibits to determine if any further analysis is required."

Mr Patterson said while police were not seeking any particular person in relation to the fire, the case remained open.

"The fire remains unexplained; to that end the matter is still being treated as a serious one and will continue to be so until such time as information is at hand to provide confirmation on what caused it to start.

"The families of the trio who lost their lives had been kept informed throughout the investigation and they are dealing with their loss as best as they can.

"Those involved in the investigation remain committed to providing those families with the answers about what occurred that they deserve."