The house on Gloucester St has been extensively damaged. Photo: Jess GibsonA pregnant woman and her partner were taken to Christchurch Hospital after a house fire in the central city. A passer-by alerted the fire service when they saw smoke pouring from a Gloucester St home about 8.45am on Wednesday, said Fire and Emergency NZ investigator Jason Hobbs. A man was in the shower when he heard the smoke alarm and escaped the house through the back door, said Mr Hobbs. A witness to the fire said the woman was "absolutely heartbroken" ​​​​​​​The woman was taken to Christchurch Hospital for observation while the man was treated for minor smoke inhalation.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 05, 2019 20:31 UTC