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Staff at a managed isolation hotel in Auckland have been praised for their “stellar work” after a hot water pipe burst, forcing guests to leave their rooms.
The hot water pipe burst and flooded level six at Sudima Auckland Airport, a managed isolation facility, on Saturday shortly after 5pm.
Guests on that floor faced a flood of boiling water in their rooms, at least half a meter deep.
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Kate Goswell and her daughter Sophia are currently in managed isolation at the Sudima Auckland Airport hotel.
Kate Goswell, who was staying in a room next to where the plumbing burst, said she was walking her eight-month-old daughter, Sophie, when the fire alarm sounded and the hotel was evacuated.
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“It was just hot boiling water coming down. Some people managed to grab some things, but they had to go through the hot water to get out, ”Goswell said.
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The water damage was significant and guests had to be moved to new rooms.
“There was a lot of water damage and you can’t predict these things, but the staff and security personnel were incredible.”
He said the problem was solved very quickly, thanks to the hotel and MIQ staff.
“They went into nearby rooms and put what they could on the beds. Everything was handled very quickly and carefully. They were all wearing personal protective equipment, so there was no security breach. “
In the parking lot, Goswell said guests wore masks and practiced physical distancing. He praised the leadership of the commander of the Navy in charge, Mark Tapsell, and the hotel manager, Kevin Ling.
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Goswell’s father was allowed to leave the hospital after his surgery and he met his granddaughter, Sophia, for the first time from the other side of the hotel doors.
“There were some babies and children in our group, and some guests had gotten wet. It was getting cold and we couldn’t share sweaters or anything, but they brought us blankets. “
Goswell arrived in the country from Sydney on Friday to see her father ailing, leaving her husband and three-year-old son behind.
A spokesperson for Managed Isolation and Quarantine said the issue was quickly resolved and all guests were back to their rooms within half an hour.
“The safety of our staff and returnees is our top priority to ultimately ensure the safety of our community.
A total of 139 guests were part of the hotel evacuation and gathered outside.
MIQ thanked the returnees for doing their bit, following instructions, and for “keeping themselves and our communities safe.”
“We also thank our staff for their efforts to ensure the safety and comfort of returnees. On a daily basis our staff at all facilities help keep New Zealand safe. “
