New Zealand officials announced that at least 6 people died in the fire that broke out in a building used as a hostel and many people were trapped inside.
Wellington District Fire and Emergency Officer Nick Pyatt said in a statement that 52 people have been rescued from the building so far, but many people were trapped inside.
“It is with regret that I can say that this is an event where many deaths will occur,” Pyatt said.
Expressing his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, Pyatt said, “This is our worst nightmare. It can’t get any worse than this.”
The cause of the fire is unknown
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau also said in his statement, “I can say that many people lost their lives. However, studies are continuing to determine the exact number.”
Authorities noted that there was no information about the cause of the fire, and that the police investigation is continuing.