A fire broke out in the early morning of the 16th in a large 4-story hostel building in downtown Wellington, the capital of New Zealand.
The fire brigade and fire chief who rushed to the scene described the fire as “the worst nightmare of my life.”
So far 52 people have been identified who were at the Roffers Lodge hostel in downtown Wellington when the fire broke out, but firefighters believe there may be more and are continuing the search, said Wellington Fire Brigade Emergency Chief Nick Fiat.
It was around 12:30 when the fire brigade received a fire report.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said on an early morning news program that six deaths have been confirmed and that more are likely to rise. Police have not yet been able to determine the exact number of deaths, but have said it is likely to be no more than 10.
The fire chief expressed his condolences to the bereaved family at a press conference, saying that the fire was his worst nightmare. He also offered words of comfort to the firefighters who bravely fought the flames but were unable to save everyone.
The police and fire brigade have not yet identified the cause of the fire and are continuing a joint investigation at the scene.
Wellington City Council announced it was helping around 50 people who had been evacuated from burning buildings by being housed in an emergency center that the city council had set up at a local track and field stadium. This building is equipped with living facilities such as shower facilities.
City Council spokesman Richard McLean said many of those evacuated were elderly, and many people rushed out in their pajamas.
The burning hostel is a place that accepts both short-term and long-term guests, McLean said. It is also an accommodation facility used by government agencies at various levels in case of an emergency.
The advertisement for Roppers Lodge Hostel says that it is the best accommodation for those visiting the capital, Wellington, for business purposes or to visit Wellington General Hospital, which is right next door.
This hostel has 92 rooms and is suitable for long-term stays.
[웰링턴(뉴질랜드)= AP/뉴시스]
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.