By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.

A large scale Tonga Police and Fire investigation is underway today, Sunday 12 November, following a major fire in the Nuku'alofa CBD in the early hours of this morning that may, possibly, be linked to a robbery.

The old wooden Teta Tours Building on the corner of Railway Road and Wellington Road was razed in a fierce fire, that also gutted neighbouring buildings, including Loni’s Theatre (Fale-Faiva ‘a Loni).

The fire is believed to have started after midnight last night, according to eye witnesses. Tonga Police said they are investigating the scene. No details of the investigation have been released at this stage. They could not confirm whether or not anyone was injured or missing in the fire.

The intense fire was caught on video in a live Facebook recording posted by Rita and Steve of Ifoifo Burgers, between 1:56am and 2:00am, capturing the firefighters and police arriving.

The footage revealed the challenges faced by emergency responders as they grappled with the rapidly spreading fire. However, firefighters controlled the situation and with help from the local authorities, they evacuated the area.

Sources from the scene this morning reported a robbery at the same building last night. It is understood that the Police are seeking at least two suspected burglars who allegedly left a bag behind as they fled the scene.