Page 3 - Simon Hanify News Today

With New Zealand police now treating the fatal fire at a Wellington hostel as arson, former residents recall how they managed to escape the burning building and the stark conditions inside.

If not for the courage of firefighters, Loafers Lodge death toll would have been higher.

Residents have shared their harrowing tales of escape from the 94-room Loafers Lodge.

The 92-room hostel in Wellington provided accommodation for people including construction workers, hospital staff and those serving sentences in the community for minor crimes.

They have spoken of the frightening moments they realised they needed to get out.

Residents who escaped an early morning fire at their hostel have spoken of the frightening moments they realised they needed to get out. These are their stories.

Images and video of the fire that broke out in the 92-room Wellington hostel show the extent of the massive fire, described by a fire chief as a worst nightmare scenario.

A Fire and Emergency manager is confident police will be able to enter the charred hostel today where at least six people died to begin searching...

A Fire and Emergency manager is confident police will be able to enter the charred hostel today where at least six people died to begin searching...