At least six dead and dozens missing after devastating New Zealand hostel fire
- Six killed in hostel fire in Wellington, New Zealand
At least six people have been killed after a fire broke out at a hostel building in central Wellington last night amid fears there could be more fatalities.
Fire and emergency services were called to the Loafers Lodge Hostel on Adelaide Road just before 12:30am to fight a blaze on the top floor.
Wellington Fire and Emergency District Manager Nick Pyatt said 52 people were registered but several people could still be missing.
Up to 20 fire trucks were on the scene at 4 a.m. Tuesday morning, with firefighters battling what District Manager Pyatt called a “once-in-a-decade fire.”
At least six people have been killed after a fire broke out at a hostel building in central Wellington last night amid fears there could be further fatalities (pictured is the Lodgers Loafers hostel)
Fire and emergency services were called to the Loafers Lodge Hostel on Adelaide Road just before 12:30am to fight a fire on the top floor
“This is our one-off fire for Wellington,” he told a news conference.
“Unfortunately, I can report that this will be a multi-fatal incident. Our thoughts at this time are with the families of those who lost their lives and our crews who bravely rescued them and tried to save those they couldn’t,” Pyatt said.
“This is our worst nightmare. It doesn’t get any worse than this.’
The hostel has a capacity of 92 people, but it is unclear how many people were inside when the fire broke out.
At least one person was injured when they tried to jump from a third-floor window, the NZ Herald reports.
Local media have reported speculation that the fire was set intentionally.
The roof of the hostel is collapsing and threatening to collapse, with the presence of asbestos increasing the risk.
More to come.
