Midnight fire kills several people in New Zealand capital

Fire trucks are seen near the site where a fire broke out in downtown Wellington, New Zealand, on May 16, 2023. (Xinhua)

WELLINGTON, May 16 (Xinhua) -- Several people were killed and up to 30 others were believed unaccounted for after a blaze broke out overnight at a four-storey hostel building in downtown Wellington, capital of New Zealand, police said on Tuesday.

Fire and Emergency were called to the Loafers Lodge hostel on Adelaide Road in central Wellington around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, where a fire started from the top floor.

While the exact number was unspecific at the moment, the number of deaths was fewer than 10, according to initial assessment of the police.

A total of 52 people were taken out of the building and at least five were rescued from the roof, but others remained unaccounted for, according to the police.

Five people were sent to hospital, including two in a serious condition.

A spokesperson from the fire and emergency department said there were around 90 people living in the building, and after evacuation, around 30 people were still unaccounted for.

Talking to a morning news program, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said there could be more fatalities.

Fire trucks are seen near the site where a fire broke out in downtown Wellington, New Zealand, on May 16, 2023. Several people were killed and up to 30 others were believed unaccounted for after a blaze broke out overnight at a four-storey hostel building in downtown Wellington, police said on Tuesday. (Xinhua)

Fire trucks are seen near the site where a fire broke out in downtown Wellington, New Zealand, on May 16, 2023. Several people were killed and up to 30 others were believed unaccounted for after a blaze broke out overnight at a four-storey hostel building in downtown Wellington, police said on Tuesday. (Xinhua)

Firefighters battle a fire at the site where a fire broke out in downtown Wellington, New Zealand, on May 16, 2023. Several people were killed and up to 30 others were believed unaccounted for after a blaze broke out overnight at a four-storey hostel building in downtown Wellington, police said on Tuesday. (Xinhua)