‘Worst nightmare’: Dozens die in New Zealand dorm fire

Several people are believed to have died in the “worst nightmare” of a fire that broke out overnight at a 92-room hostel in Wellington, New Zealand.
The Loafers Lodge Hostel in Newtown, south of Wellington, caught fire during the night, prompting an evacuation.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand said “several people” were missing, but have yet to confirm any deaths.
Privately, officials are preparing for dozens of deaths.
“This is a tragic event for all involved. My sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives,” FENZ regional manager Nick Pyatt said on Tuesday.
“It doesn’t get any worse.
“This is a once-in-a-decade fire for Wellington. For us, this is the worst nightmare.”
About 52 people were escorted out of the building after a fire was reported at 00:25.
More than 10 fire engines arrived on the scene throughout the morning, and the fire was extinguished by 6 am.
“This is a truly disturbing development and obviously our thoughts will be with all the firefighters involved and all the victims of this terrible tragedy unfolding,” New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins told local television.

There were no vacant places in the residential complex, with the exception of a number of rooms that were treated for bedbugs, Radio NZ reports.