At least six people are dead and others missing after a “worst nightmare” fire at a 92-room hostel in New Zealand. The Loafers Lodge hostel in Newtown, in Wellington’s south, caught alight overnight, prompting an evacuation. The prime minister, Chris Hipkins, said this morning that at least six had died. “I understand six confirmed previously and it looks like there are likely to be more,” he said. Police said on Tuesday morning that “Our initial assessment is that the number of deceased is fewer than 10, however, we are not in a position to be any more specific until we can access the building.” Fire and Emergency New Zealand said “a number of people” were unaccounted for. “This is a tragic event for all involved. My heartfelt condolences go to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives,” district manager, Nick Pyatt, said on Tuesday. “It doesn’t get worse than this. This is a once-in-a-decade fire for Wellington. It’s the worst nightmare for us.” Some 52 people were taken out of the building after being notified of the blaze at 12.25am. More than 10 fire vehicles responded to the emergency across the morning and the fire was put out after 6am. Hipkins told local television: “It’s a really concerning development and obviously our thoughts will be with all the firefighters involved and all the victims of the terrible tragedy that’s unfolding.” There were no vacancies in the accommodation complex, except for a number of rooms being treated for bedbugs, Radio NZ reported. The hostel was also used for transient housing.