At least six folks have died after a hearth broke out in a single day at a four-storey hostel in Wellington, New Zealand.

The nation's prime minister, Chris Hipkins, advised the AM morning information programme that he understands there are more likely to be extra those who have died.

Police mentioned they imagine the variety of lifeless will possible be fewer than 10 folks.

Emergency providers have been referred to as to the Loafers Lodge hostel, within the nation's capital Wellington, at about 12.30am native time.

"This is our worst nightmare," mentioned Nick Pyatt, fireplace and emergency district supervisor, describing the incident as a "once-in-a-decade fire for Wellington".

The fireplace division mentioned 52 folks had been accounted for, however a quantity nonetheless stay lacking.

Five folks have been rescued by firefighters from the roof of the constructing, in accordance with 1News.

While Richard MacLean, Wellington City Council spokesman, mentioned there have been a lot of aged individuals who had escaped with solely the pyjamas they have been sporting.

A variety of folks have been taken to Wellington Hospital, with one in a severe situation and 4 others in a reasonable situation.

Fifteen folks have been handled on the scene.

"I can sadly report that this will be a multi-fatality incident," Mr Pyatt added.

"Our thoughts at this time are with the families of those who have perished and with our crews who valiantly rescued those [they could] and attempted to rescue those that they couldn't."

The reason for the fireplace stays unknown, however police mentioned they might be investigating alongside fireplace and emergency officers.

Loafers Lodge advertises itself as an inexpensive place for folks to remain whereas they're within the capital, whether or not on enterprise or needing to go to the close by Wellington Hospital.

It has 92 rooms and promotes them as being accessible long run and was often utilized by authorities companies to supply emergency lodging.

Content Source: information.sky.com