Splendid Star

Police initial investigation into the fire on September 22^nd, 2017, was not completed due to funding constraint.

However, this matter was raised by Manus Governor Charlie Benjamin on the floor of National Parliament on the outcome of police investigation into the incident, which Police Minister Bryan Kramer gave the assurance that police will reopen.

The investigation team is currently on ground with two AFP officers who will be assisting them.

Police in Manus are yet to confirm deaths or injuries, as up until 12pm today, it was still burning, making it difficult for police to carry out investigation.

Although it was not confirmed, police believe the fire started from an electrical fault from where the Asian owners reside.

The Asian-owned Splendid Star consisted of a supermarket, bakery, wholesale and hardware; the whole lengthy building went up in flames.