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An overnight fire at a four-story dormitory in New Zealand’s capital has killed at least six people, the prime minister said Tuesday.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins told the A.M morning news program that six people have been confirmed dead in the fire in Wellington, and there is a possibility of being more. Police say they don’t yet have an exact death toll, though they believe it’s less than 10 people.
Emergency services were called to the Loafers Lodge hostel at around 12:30pm local time.
Wellington Fire and Emergency Manager Nick Pyatt said 52 people were accounted for, but several others were not.
“I am saddened to report that this will be a multi-fatality incident. Our thoughts at this time are with the families of those who died and with our crew who bravely rescued them. [they could] and trying to rescue those who couldn’t,” Pyatt told reporters.
The cause of the fire is not yet known
“It’s our nightmare,” Pyatt said. “It doesn’t get any worse than this.”
Police said the cause of the fire remains unknown, and will be investigated in conjunction with fire and emergency personnel.
Loafers Lodge advertises itself as an affordable place for those living in the capital, whether on business or needing to visit the nearby Wellington Hospital. It has 92 rooms and is promoted as available long term.
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