Global Courant 2023-05-16 02:16:04
WELLINGTON – Several people have been killed in a fire at a multi-storey hostel in Wellington, New Zealand, Fire and Emergency Services New Zealand (FENZ) said in a statement on Tuesday.
“A number of people are still missing, but this number, along with the number of deaths, cannot be confirmed at this time,” the statement added, without specifying an exact number.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins told AM that there were six deaths and police expect the death toll to be less than 10.
The fire broke out just after midnight on Tuesday on the top floor of the 92-room Loafers Lodge on Adelaide Road in Newtown. FENZ said 52 people have been registered so far.
“This is a tragic event for all involved. My sincere condolences go out to the loved ones of those who lost their lives,” District Manager Commander Nick Pyatt said in the same statement.
He added that fires like this are rare. “This is a fire that happens once every ten years in Wellington. It’s our worst nightmare,” Pyatt said.
Crews will remain at the scene of the fire Tuesday morning to complete cleanup work, but there is a risk of the roof collapsing, so they are working to manage this risk, the statement said.
Residents are asked to stay indoors and keep windows closed. One of the main roads into the city has been closed and traffic is being diverted.
