WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Tragically, a devastating fire has claimed the lives of at least six individuals at a multistory hostel in New Zealand’s capital. This catastrophic event, described by fire authorities as their “worst nightmare,” is an incident that may not occur again for another decade. The community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, highlighting the critical importance of fire safety measures in shared living spaces.

Local law enforcement estimates that fewer than ten individuals have perished, though investigators continued to comb through the scene on Tuesday morning, local time. According to Wellington fire chief Nick Pyatt during an early morning news segment on “AM,” there were 52 individuals reported present at the hostel at the time of the incident. The urgency of the situation has prompted detailed investigations to seek clarity on the exact number of victims.

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins addressed reporters, revealing that first responders were mobilized from various regions to combat the raging inferno. This coordinated effort underscores the seriousness of the situation, as multiple agencies worked together to control the fire and assist those affected, demonstrating the community’s resilience in the face of disaster.

Loafers Lodge, situated in the Newtown suburb of southern Wellington, has marketed itself as “an affordable accommodation option” for both short- and long-term residents. The establishment’s role in providing housing for vulnerable populations makes this event particularly tragic, as it raises questions about safety protocols in such facilities.

Paul Jury, a resident of the lodge for approximately 18 months, recounted his experience during the incident. When the smoke alarm sounded, he initially dismissed it as yet another false alarm, a common occurrence in the past. “There were a lot of false alarms,” he informed reporters, reflecting on the unfortunate normalization of safety alerts that may have put lives at risk during this catastrophic event.

Firefighters arrived at the scene at 12:25 a.m. Tuesday, confronting what Pyatt characterized as “a very challenging incident.” The fire had rapidly spread, engulfing the building and consuming the roof, making efforts to control it increasingly difficult as time progressed. This rapid escalation of the fire emphasizes the need for rapid response protocols in emergency situations.

“This is a situation that doesn’t get worse than this,” Pyatt stated to the press. “This is a once-in-a-decade fire for Wellington. It’s the worst nightmare for us.” His remarks highlight the extraordinary nature of this disaster and the challenges faced by emergency services in dealing with such unprecedented events.

Pyatt further noted that the significant number of residents in the building complicated rescue efforts. Despite the chaos, five individuals were successfully rescued from the roof, showcasing the bravery and skill of the first responders who risked their lives to save others amidst the flames.

Megan Woods, the nation’s housing minister, confirmed that the building had undergone inspections earlier this year and met the requirements of the country’s building codes, including a standalone fire alarm system. However, fire authorities revealed that there were no sprinkler systems in place, raising serious concerns regarding the adequacy of safety measures in residential buildings, especially those housing large numbers of people.

Hipkins mentioned that many shift workers resided in the building, making it unclear how many of the residents were at work when the fire erupted. This lack of clarity adds to the complexity of the situation as authorities continue to investigate the full impact of the tragedy on the community.

Currently, the cause of the fire remains undetermined, and police are collaborating with Fire and Emergency New Zealand to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. This ongoing investigation is crucial for understanding what transpired and ensuring accountability in future safety protocols.

Local news outlet Stuff reported that the fire is being treated as suspicious, citing a senior emergency services source. This classification raises further questions about the fire’s origins and the possibility of foul play, necessitating a thorough examination of the facts.

“I am committed to uncovering what went wrong here and identifying those responsible,” Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau stated in an interview with Stuff. Upon her arrival at the scene on Tuesday morning, Whanau mistakenly believed that all hostel residents had safely evacuated. “When the time is right, we will hold the right people accountable,” she emphasized, signaling a determination to seek justice for the victims and their families.