Emergency services are still searching for 11 people, with “several dozen” others saved
Multiple people have died following a massive blaze at a hostel in Wellington, New Zealand.
Emergency services are still searching for 11 people, with “several dozen” others saved.
Fifty-two people have been accounted for so far, but it is unclear how many were residing in the building during the fire.
A relief fund has now been set up to support both the survivors who have lost their homes and accommodation, as well as the families of those who have died.
Wellington’s Mayor says “It is a truly tragic situation [and] the worst outcome.”
Rescue efforts have been tricky given there remains a risk of the roof caving in.
Many of the building’s residents are shift workers, making it harder to track who was in the facility at the time of the blaze.
One resident says there appeared to be two fires when he fled the building.
Evacuees were taken to a centre at nearby Newtown Park, where charities supplied them with blankets, clothes and breakfast.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has addressed the situation, acknowledging first responders desperately trying to save those inside.
