26 Nov 2012

French Polynesia's Flosse says fire at his residence not accidental

5:01 am on 26 November 2012

French Polynesia's former president, Gaston Flosse, says the fire which destroyed his Tahiti residence last week was not accidental.

Mr Flosse made the claim after speaking to police investigating the incident.

According to witness reports, there was what appeared to be an explosion, possibly under the house, setting his residence ablaze.

Firefighters were powerless as hydrants nearby were not in good working order.

At the time of the fire, Gaston Flosse was in New Zealand.