at least six dead in Wellington hotel fire

0

Rescuers estimate that about 90 people were in the establishment at the time of the fire. The causes are currently unknown.

Article written by

Published

Reading time : 1 min.

The damage caused by the fire at the Loafers Lodge hotel, in Wellington, New Zealand, on May 16, 2023. (MARTY MELVILLE / AFP)

At least six people died on Tuesday, May 16, in the fire of a four-story hotel housing workers and disadvantaged people in the capital of New Zealand, Wellington. Immense flames and thick smoke rose overnight from Monday to Tuesday from the top floor of the Loafers Lodge, located in the center of the city.

Firefighters found six bodies inside the burned building. The emergency services estimate that around 90 people were in the establishment at the time of the fire. As the roof collapsed, the whole building has not yet been excavated. For now, pMore than fifty people were rescued. Six people were taken to hospital, including one in critical condition, and 15 others were treated at the scene, according to the emergency services.

The fire alarm did not go off automatically, National Fire and Rescue Services Deputy Commander Brendan Nally added. Regional Fire and Rescue Services Manager Bruce Stubbs said “suspicious” the origin of this fire. The cause of the fire remains for the moment “unexplained”according to the police who announced the opening of an investigation.


source site-33