The deadly hostel fire in New Zealand’s capital has been described by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as a “dreadful human tragedy.”
The fire, which engulfed parts of the fully booked 92-room Loafers Lodge hostel in Wellington, claimed the lives of six people, with several others unaccounted for.
Albanese said he had spoken with New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and had offered assistance.
“I expressed my condolences on behalf of Australia to our friends in New Zealand at this very difficult time,” Albanese told reporters in Melbourne on May 16.
“Any assistance, of course, will, as always, be available from Australia to New Zealand at what is a very difficult time,” he said.
“It is clear that there have been a number of deaths, the exact number may well rise.”
NZ PM Hipkins expressed support for the victims of the blaze and an investigation would occur soon.
“For our fire and emergency crews who are on the scene—clearly this is a traumatic incident for them as well,” Hipkins told reporters on May 16.
“I know that they put everything they could into getting people out of the building,” he said. “It is an absolute tragedy what’s happened here.”
“We’ve not seen something on this scale in recent times. Wellingtonians will feel this … It’s a very tight-knit community.”
Hipkins said the death toll could rise but did not expect the number to rise above 10.
Tala Sili was staying in the building when he saw smoke coming through his door, reported the New Zealand Herald. He then made the decision to jump from a window onto a roof two storeys below.
“I was on the top floor and I couldn’t go through the hallway because there was just too much smoke so I jumped out the window,” he said.
The building was not fitted out with safety sprinklers, which is not necessary under local law.
Meanwhile, the council is currently offering food, clothing, and showers to 50 people displaced by the fire.
“The team is also working to provide temporary accommodation for people who need it,” the council said.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said officials were working to determine if any Australians were impacted.
“The Australian high commission is in contact with the New Zealand Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade and local authorities to determine whether any Australians are affected,” a spokesman said.
“We are deeply shocked and saddened by news of a fire at the Loafers Lodge Hostel in Wellington overnight.
“Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Australian government 24-hour consular emergency centre 1300 555 135 (within Australia) and +61 2 6261 3305 (from overseas).”
