At least six dead and dozens more missing after wildfire at busy New Zealand hostel – fearing fierce blaze was started intentionally: ‘Worst nightmare’
Six dead in hostel fire in Wellington, New Zealand
At least six people have died after a fire broke out overnight at a residential building in central Wellington and it was feared there could be more deaths.
Just before 12.30pm fire and rescue workers were called to the Loafers Lodge Hostel on Adelaide Road to tackle a fire on the top floor.
Wellington Fire and Emergency District Chief Nick Pyatt said 52 people had been reported but some people could still be missing.
As many as 20 fire engines were on the scene as of 4 a.m. Tuesday morning, and firefighters were battling what District Superintendent Pyatt described as a “once-in-a-decade blaze.”
At least six people have died after a fire broke out in a hostel building in central Wellington overnight. It was feared that there could be more fatalities (the Lodgers Loafers hostel is pictured).
Just before 12.30pm fire and rescue workers were called to the Loafers Lodge Hostel on Adelaide Road to tackle a fire on the top floor
“This is our unique brand for Wellington,” he said at a press conference.
“I am sorry to report that this is an incident with multiple fatalities.” “Our thoughts at this time are with the families of the deceased and with our crews who bravely rescued them and tried to save those who didn’t could,” said Pyatt.
“It’s our worst nightmare.” It doesn’t get any worse than that.’
The hostel can accommodate 92 people. However, it is unclear how many people were inside when the fire broke out.
At least one person was injured trying to jump from a third floor window, while five people were rescued from the roof by rescue workers using an aerial rescue service.
Local media reported that there is speculation that the fire was started intentionally.
The hostel’s roof is collapsing and in danger of collapsing, with the presence of asbestos adding to the risk.
As of 4 a.m., 20 fire engines were at the scene, according to Wellington Fire and Emergency
There’s more to come.
