May 16, 2023
Wellington fire an absolute tragedy; Prime Minister Chris Hipkins
Members of Parliament and the Mayor of Wellington were among the first officials and first responders at the scene of a fire that engulfed Loafers Lodge Adelaide Road in Newtown just after midnight Tuesday morning.
Local MP for Rongotai, Paul Eagle has been at the site from the early hours of the morning, while Mayor Tory Whanau was giving updates from the location on social media. The Prime Minister Chris Hipkins joined Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson later in the morning.
Fire and Emergency Deputy National Commander Brendan Nally says 11 people remain unaccounted for following the fire.
He says there would normally be around 100 people staying at any time.
All but 11 of them are now accounted for.
It’s thought the Lodge did not have sprinklers or outside fire escapes.
The Prime Minister says a full investigation will take place in due course but the immediate concern is for those who are unaccounted for and the welfare of those who have lost their home.