2023-05-16 00:26:04
A major fire broke out in a hostel in New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. According to the newspaper „New Zealand Herald“ at least six people died. Authorities confirmed this morning there was no sprinkler system in the building – and 11 people are still missing. 56 guests could be saved.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins (44) also said on the morning news that he initially assumed six deaths. It could probably even be up to ten.
Hipkins once again thanked all rescue workers at the scene of the fatal fire. “We haven’t experienced an event of this magnitude for a long time. I know they did everything they could. I would like to once again express my thanks and gratitude to them.”
▶︎ The situation is dramatic. The fire chief described the situation as his “worst nightmare”. The building is in danger of collapsing, he said. “It can’t get any worse.”
The deadly flames came in the night! The fire broke out around 12:30 a.m. local time.
Pictures showed how the fire brigade put out the fire on turntable ladders from the outside at night. Five people were rescued from the roof by the emergency services, it said.
“It is with regret that I can report that this is a multiple fatality incident. At this moment, our thoughts are with the families of those who died,” said the fire chief.
A local resident told the “Herald”: “The flames hit through the roof and the windows.” According to the police, it is still unclear why the fire broke out.
The hostel has room for 92 guests. It is unclear how many people are currently staying there.
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