Source: Radio New Zealand
The site has been cordoned off and an investigation is underway. Matthew Rosenberg/LDR
More than a million dollars’ worth of trucks and equipment have been destroyed in a suspected arson in a popular Invercargill park.
Police are investigating after the fire was reported early on Wednesday morning in Queens Park.
Invercargill City Council confirmed the gear was owned by arborist Treetech and was essential to the ongoing efforts to restore the park after extensive storm damage.
Treetech managing director Chris Walsh said the company would need to bring in replacement equipment to get the job done.
“If someone has intentionally set fire to our trucks and equipment, that would be devastating for our team. It’s more than a million dollars’ worth of damage, but we’re pulling out all the stops to keep going.
“We’re a resilient bunch, and we’re going to do whatever it takes to get the job done.”
Council parks and recreation manager Caroline Rain said the fire would very likely delay the reopening of the final section of Queens Park.
It was incredibly lucky that the fire did not spread further beyond the maintenance yard, she said.
“It’s distressing to think that someone would deliberately destroy the tools we need to reopen the rest of this beloved park.
“Our staff and contractors have been working tirelessly over the past few weeks to ensure Queens Park is safe for the community.”
Anyone with information relating to the fire was encouraged to contact police.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
