Several men are facing charges of manufacturing methamphetamine after a Taupō building blaze yesterday morning that left four people injured.
Police said they became aware of the fire on Tauhara Rd at around 5.40am on Sunday, "which is believed to have been deliberately lit."
Video posted on social media showed flames towering into the sky from the blaze, near a local BP petrol station.
Detective Senior Sergeant Ryan Yardley said, "police believe the property was used to manufacture methamphetamine" after initial inquiries were made into the fire.
Five men, aged 28 to 73, were due in the Taupō District Court later today, charged with manufacturing methamphetamine and wilfully setting fire to a property and endangering life, according to a police spokesperson.
"Police continue to investigate the circumstances around the incident, including conducting a scene examination," Yardley said.
"A scene guard was in place overnight and will remain while inquiries continue."
Three patients in a moderate condition were taken to Taupō Hospital following the fire, a St John spokesperson told 1News yesterday.
Ambulance crews also assessed and treated one patient in a minor condition.
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