A hostel in Wellington burned, many people died, some are still missing © IMAGO/BEN MCKAY
Due to a fire in a hostel in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, up to 30 people are currently missing, six people are said to be already dead.
Wellington – A major fire has broken out in a four-storey dormitory in New Zealand's capital Wellington, the NZ Herald newspaper reports. According to the newspaper, the fire chief described it as his "worst nightmare."
"Unfortunately, I can report that this is an incident with several fatalities. Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased and with our emergency responders who have valiantly tried to rescue those who could not be saved," said Nick Pyatt, District Deputy of the Fire Department.
Police estimate that several people died in the fire, the number is said to be less than ten. Authorities say about 30 people are still missing and Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said he expects the death toll to rise.
30 missing and six dead after fire in dormitory New Zealand
The hostel is said to have room for 92 people, but it is not clear how many people were in the building at the time of the fire. So far, 52 people are said to have been found, Pyatt said.
The alarm was triggered around four o'clock in the morning and quickly 20 fire engines were on site. There is currently speculation as to whether the fire was set on purpose.