Police have yet to learn the cause of a house fire on Russell Island that claimed the lives of a father and five boys but say no suspicious circumstances have been identified.
Wayne Godinet, 34, and his young boys – all aged under 12 – were killed when the blaze tore through the property about 6am last Sunday.
The children’s mother, Samantha Stephenson, 28, and a 21-year-old woman survived the inferno, fleeing as the home was engulfed in flames.
The blaze also damaged two neighbouring homes and left several people needing treatment.
In an update on Friday, police said extensive investigations had failed to identify the cause of the fire.
“Despite this, no suspicious circumstances have been identified,” police said.
Autopsies have been completed and “an extensive report” will be prepared for the coroner.
The victims’ families have been updated on investigations and are continuing to receive support.
A number of Mr Godinet’s relatives have travelled from around Australia and New Zealand to pay their respects.
They gathered last Thursday to perform a traditional Maori ceremony near the home’s charred remains.
Nearly $35,000 has been raised via a Go Fund Me page for Ms Stephenson, while other funds continue to raise money for affected families. – AAP
