Loafers Lodge fire
 | A request that this article title be changed to 2023 Wellington hostel fire is under discussion. Please do not move this article until the discussion is closed. |
 Loafers Lodge in August 2021 | |
| Date | 16 May 2023 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Loafers Lodge |
| Location | Newtown, Wellington, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 41°18′24″S 174°46′40″E / 41.30674°S 174.77773°E |
| Type | Fire |
| Cause | Unknown |
| Deaths | 6 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 20 |
| Missing | 11 |
| Property damage | fire damage, partial collapse of building |
On 16 May 2023, a fire broke out at the 92-bed Loafers Lodge in Newtown, Wellington, New Zealand. At least six people were killed, twenty injured and eleven are missing.[1]
Background
The four-storey building was constructed in 1971 as a multi-storey office and warehouse building. It was originally called Mertex House, containing a Bank of New South Wales branch. In 1980s it was renamed Lifepoint Building with places of worship owned by Wellington Indian Association and Assembly of God. Since 2006 the building has been occupied by Loafers Lodge. [2]
The building previously served as a place of emergency residential housing contracted by the New Zealand Government.[3]
Fire sprinklers were not installed in the building,[4] as it was not required by the Building Code.[5]
Incident
A fire broke out on the top floor of the 92-room lodge around 12:25 am (NZST);[4] It is unclear how many people were in the hostel when the fire occurred,[6] however, 52 people were evacuated from the building and at least five were rescued from the roof by Fire and Emergency.[7]
Reactions
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins called the fire an absolute tragedy.[8] Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson said the fire was absolutely devastating.[7] Wellington mayor Tory Whanau called the fire "one of the darkest days in the city".[9]
References
- ^ "At least six dead, 20 injured in New Zealand hostel fire". www.9news.com.au. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ Sharpe, Marty (15 May 2023). "Wellington fatal hostel fire: What is Loafers Lodge?". Stuff. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ McClure, Tess (16 May 2023). "New Zealand hostel fire: at least six dead and 11 missing in Wellington blaze". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ a b "Live: 'Tragic event for all involved': Crews on scene after Wellington hostel fire leaves at least six dead". ABC News. 15 May 2023. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ Coughlan, Thomas (16 May 2023). "Why Loafers Lodge didn't have sprinklers - and firefighter fears over ageing trucks". NZ Herald. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ Arias, Tatiana; Subramaniam, Tara (16 May 2023). "At least six dead after fire engulfs hostel in New Zealand capital". CNN. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ a b "Fatal Wellington hostel fire: Fire alarms did not sound at scene, resident says". RNZ. 16 May 2023. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
- ^ Sullivan, Helen (15 May 2023). "Wellington hostel fire latest news: six people dead and many missing in New Zealand blaze". the Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ "A 'dark day' for Wellington - Mayor on tragic hostel fire". 1News. 16 May 2023. Retrieved 16 May 2023.
