19 Nov 2013

Buses destroyed in Karori blaze

5:17 am on 19 November 2013

Police are looking for an arsonist as they investigate big fire which destroyed five buses at a depot in Wellington.

One of the damaged buses at the Karori depot.

One of the damaged buses at the Karori depot. Photo: RNZ

The buses caught fire at the GoWellington bus depot in Karori about 3am on Monday.

Acting Detective Sergeant Caroline Martin said police know they are looking for at least one person, but are keeping an open mind to the possibility more could be involved.

Ms Martin said the depot - which held 21 buses - is very close to neighbouring houses and it could have been catastrophic if the fire had spread.

The bus fleet's owner, NZ Bus, says the damage bill could be as high as $2.5 million.

Senior Sergeant Marc Clausen asked for anyone who saw any suspicious activity overnight to contact the police.

NZ Bus chief operating officer Rachel Drew said she does not believe there will be any disruption to services.