A devastating fire ravaged through a hostel in New Zealand's capital, Wellington, early on Tuesday morning, taking the lives of at least six people.
Extensive structural damage has meant police investigations cannot begin until a safety assessment is complete, expected to happen on Wednesday.
Here's what we know so far.
How did the morning unfold?
A fire broke out on the top floor of the Loafer Lodge on Adelaide Road, Newton, just after midnight on Tuesday.
Emergency services arrived on scene at about 12.30am.
One hostel resident told local news site RNZ the alarm had been triggered manually by a resident, not by smoke alarms.
Residents told reporters fire alarms would regularly sound in the building, possibly from people smoking or from overly sensitive smoke monitors, so many had initially thought it was another false alarm.
New Zealand Police have confirmed six deaths, but say that number is expected to rise.
Authorities have accounted for 56 people while 11 remain missing.
Health authorities said two people who had been in the building were being treated at hospitals and both were in a stable condition.
Three others had been treated and discharged, while a sixth patient chose to leave before getting treatment.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) said at its peak, 29 crews, which amounts to more than 80 firefighters, attended the fire.
Crews included an Urban Search and Rescue Squad made up of technicians and drone operators, used to assess the structural integrity before investigations start.
Who was there?
At the time of the fire it is understood the 92-room hostel was booked to capacity.
The hostel provided accommodation for people including construction workers, hospital staff and those serving sentences in the community for minor crimes.
New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said he believed there were a number of shift workers and Ministry of Social Development clients inside.
Vulnerable city residents use the hostel hoping to escape the cold temperatures overnight.
Wellington City Council's welfare team is working with other agencies to provide food, clothing and shelter for about 50 people who have nowhere to go.
An Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said they had confirmed with their New Zealand counterparts that police have not identified any Australian citizens who have been impacted.
How did the fire start?
At this stage it is unknown, but emergency services are treating the incident as suspicious.
The Loafers Lodge was issued a Building Warrant of Fitness in March this year.
There were no concerns raised by the independently qualified person who inspected and tested the life safety systems in the building.
Emergency officials said the building had no fire sprinklers, which Mr Hipkins said was not required in New Zealand’s building code for older buildings that would have to be retrofitted.
What's next?
Police plan to enter the building on Wednesday, once FENZ completes an extensive health and safety risk assessment.
"This is an extensive and methodical process and we need to make sure we get it right for the families, loved ones, our partner agencies, and the community," acting Wellington District Commander Inspector Dion Bennett said.
"While we have an initial indication of the number of people who were in the building, and of those who remain unaccounted-for, we will not be confirming numbers at this stage.
"Until we are able to enter the building, we cannot make any definitive statements.
"The fire remains unexplained, and we have brought in specialist investigative teams from around the district and country to assist."
Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau also announced a relief fund to provide meals, clothing and the support needed for the residents affected by the fire.
Has this happened before?
"This is a once-in-a-decade fire for Wellington. It’s the worst nightmare for us," FENZ Wellington District Commander Nick Pyatt said.
"This is a tragic event for all involved.
"My heartfelt condolences go to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives."
The incident has similarities to a fire in 2000 at the Childers backpacker hostel in Queensland where 15 people were killed.
Following the incident there was a state-wide overhaul of fire safety regulations in budget accommodation.
ABC/Wires
