​Chemical incident at Auckland hotel leaves accused man dead

A chemical incident at Auckland’s Hotel Grand Chancellor yesterday left one man dead, and lower Hobson Street cordoned off for hours.

Tauranga man Mark Ivil, 58, was allegedly found next to mixed chemicals which had produced toxic fumes.

He underwent decontamination treatment by fire crews outside the hotel, but died at the scene.

Unconfirmed reports state the chemical was hydrogen sulphide. Police were looking into the possibility of it being a potential drug-making operation.

Fire services move objects into hazmat vehicle. Photo: Victoria White

Mr Ivil missed a court hearing yesterday morning where he was facing charges laid against him by the Serious Fraud Office, after allegedly obtaining $4.28 million between 1990 and 2014.

He faced 21 charges of obtaining by deception, 14 charges of obtaining by false pretence, two charges of using a forged document, and two charges of obstructing an investigation.

The hotel was evacuated, and two lanes off Hobson Street were cordoned off until 1:45pm yesterday as the police and fire service investigated.

An employee at the NTEC agency across the street said she could barely see past the dozens of fire engines and police vehicles which had been blocking the street for hours.

Staff and guests were allowed back into the hotel around 1:30pm yesterday afternoon.

The Hotel Grand Chancellor receptionist told Te Waha Nui that staff had been told to resume work as normal.

Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious, and there were no further updates.