Scores of partygoers were at the Hamilton villa for a housewarming on Friday night, but the joy turned to tragedy after fire broke out in the early hours.
Last night, the body of Jake Hayes was one of three entombed in the charred remains of the 100-year-old building, which rescuers said was too dangerous to enter.
Friends who gathered at the house yesterday said it was the 19-year-old's first night in the home and the party was to welcome him.
Grave fears were also held for Connor Swetman, 17, who had not been heard from since the fire.
The party involved scores of people aged in their late teens and early 20s, police said. The large number of partygoers continued to cause confusion and uncertainty late last night as police tried to work through who may have been there.
It was understood seven people lived in the six-bedroom home, but some were out at the time while other partygoers were thought to have been staying there.
Jake's family were too shocked to talk last night. Close friend Shiquita Mitchell said about 30 friends were gathered at the Hayes' family home to pay their respects.
"We are all in shock, Jake was like a brother to me," a tearful Mitchell said. "We are all at the house now. It's not good."
One of the last people to speak to Jake said he cheerfully greeted her at the door and welcomed her into his new home.
"He shook my hand and said it was his house," said the 18-year-old Morrinsville friend.
She said Jake was still unpacking and boxes littered the floor of his new upstairs bedroom.
Koni O'Reilly, a childhood friend, said Jake had last been seen upstairs with Connor. "Everyone who knows Jake knows he is a sweet guy. He is great to get along with."
Friends posted on Facebook their disbelief on how a celebration had ended up claiming so many lives.
Hayley Marie wrote: "This can't be true like no way this isn't happening too soon man you can't be gone. You were such a good person. Why couldn't you be safe somewhere and not having this happen? "
Friends of Connor said his mother had dropped him at the party and now she was beside herself. "She's been trying to ring him all morning hoping he'll answer his phone."
Other friends feared the worst after failing to make contact with him all day. Connor's friend, Skye Watson, posted on Facebook last night: "Can't stop crying. Please tell me Connor Swetman is okay."
Four people escaped after smashing their way out of windows during the blaze, which broke out about 5am. Police are treating the fire as suspicious.
Yesterday the charred remains of the Collingwood St property proved too dangerous for emergency workers to enter.
Waikato CIB Detective Senior Sergeant Graham Pitkethley confirmed three bodies were in the house and emergency services were trying to make the house safe to enter.
Waikato Fire Area commander Roy Breeze described the deaths as "very, very sad".
"Police and victim support are dealing with a number of distraught families. This is obviously a very emotional time made all the more so by the delays in clearing the building and recovering the bodies."
The fire was contained by 7am after 13 appliances and 45 firefighters battled the blaze.
Breeze said it was important people remembered general fire safety guidelines and planned escape routes.
- Herald on Sunday
