Key takeaways:
- At least six people have been killed in a devastating fire that ripped through a hostel in Wellington, New Zealand overnight.
- 52 people were forced to flee the four-story building in their pajamas.
- The building had no water sprinklers, and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
At least six people have been killed in a devastating fire that ripped through a hostel in Wellington, New Zealand overnight. Firefighters are still searching for 11 people who remain unaccounted for.
The fire at Loafers Lodge hostel broke out late Monday night, forcing 52 people to flee the four-story building in their pajamas. Wellington Fire and Emergency District Manager Nick Pyatt described the incident as his “worst nightmare.”
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins told the AM morning news program that he understood that six people were confirmed dead and the number of fatalities would likely rise.
Tala Sili, a resident of the hostel, told news outlet RNZ that he saw smoke pouring through under his door and when he opened it found the hallway pitch black. He said he was on the top floor and had to jump out the window to escape.
Authorities said the building had no water sprinklers, which could have helped contain the fire. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.
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