There may be up to 10 people who have died in a hostel fire early this morning in Wellington.
Police say they cannot be more specific at this time.
The fire ripped through the four-storey Loafers Lodge hostel on Adelaide Road.
Fire and Emergency Deputy District Commander Brendan Neally told Morning Report many more would have died, but for a rescue by firefighters of residents trapped on the roof.
He says there were no sprinklers in the hostel and the fire alarm did not go off automatically.
Wellington's district fire manager has described the blaze as a worst nightmare situation and a once-in-a-decade fire for the city.
Commuters have been told to expect significant delays and to allow extra time for travel.
