New Zealand: At least six dead in Wellington hotel fire

“It’s an absolute tragedy,” said Chris Hipkins. Asked about the death toll, he said six deaths “have been confirmed. But it looks like there’s probably more.”

Firefighters reported 52 people rescued, some of whom had taken refuge on the roof. But dozens more are missing. Six people were taken to hospital and 15 others were being treated at the scene, according to Wellington Emergency Services.

“A fire like this is only seen once every ten years in Wellington. It’s the worst nightmare for us,” said emergency services manager Nick Pyatt. According to him, about 90 people could be in the building when it caught fire.

Some 80 firefighters and 20 fire trucks fought the fire in the building from which large sheets of smoke escaped.

A police spokesman estimated that the final death toll should “not exceed 10”, stressing however that it would not be known until they were able to gain access to the building.

AFP

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