Brother of BBC presenter is ‘unaccounted for’ after horror blaze ripped through hostel in New Zealand killing six
A BBC presenter’s brother is “missing” after a terrible fire at a New Zealand hostel killed six people.
Lucy Hockings and her family are “awaiting further information from authorities” after not hearing from Liam in the aftermath of the Wellington fire.
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It has been confirmed that six people have died in the Loafers Lodge fire and police regard the incident as suspicious.
Police added that at least 92 people were inside the hostel at the time of the fire.
While less than 20 are still missing.
The Associated Press reported that people in pajamas had to flee as the flames swept through the hostel, others saw them jump out of windows or were rescued from the roof by firefighters.
Lucy is still awaiting news about her brother as the BBC issued a statement earlier today.
A BBC spokesman said: “Following the devastating hostel fire in Wellington, New Zealand, Liam Hockings, brother of Lucy Hockings, remains missing.”
“Liam lived in the dorm. Lucy and her family are awaiting further information from the authorities and we ask that her and her family’s privacy is respected at this time.”
“The BBC will do everything it can to support Lucy.”
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins commented on Liam’s disappearance, saying they knew each other from university.
He said: “My thoughts are with Liam’s family and his extended family.”
“I haven’t seen him much in recent years, although I’ve met him at various events in the area.”
The terrible fire broke out in a four-story hostel used primarily by the government to house deportees.
A fire chief described the horrific blaze as his “worst nightmare”.
At least 20 fire engines were on the scene as of 4 a.m. local time and up to 90 firefighters were battling the blazes.
Pyatt, Chief of Wellington’s Fire and Emergency Services District, said: “This is our one and only fire in Wellington.”
“Unfortunately, I can report that this is an incident with several fatalities.
“Our thoughts at this time are with the families of those who died and with our crews who bravely rescued them and tried to rescue those who couldn’t.”
“This is our worst nightmare. It doesn’t get any worse than that.”
Inspector Dion Bennett, Acting District Commander for New Zealand Police in Wellington, said after the fire: “We know many people are awaiting news from family and friends – including residents who escaped the fire and are anxiously awaiting news from their fellow tenants. ” .
“I would like to reassure you that we have a large number of officials working on this investigation with the aim of giving them the answers they need as quickly as possible.”
Hockings studied with Hipkins at Massey University, where he trained as a journalist.
He then worked at the New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations and eventually turned to journalism.