Police have begun what they describe as a “complex and hazardous” scene examination after a fatal house fire in the Manawatū town of Sanson, where four people, including three children, are understood to have died.
Emergency services were called to the property on State Highway 1, just south of the township, at about 2.30pm on Saturday. Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham said earlier that “several people” were believed to have died and confirmed police were not seeking anyone else in relation to the blaze.
A scene guard remained overnight, and investigators returned on Sunday morning. Grantham said police were still unable to formally confirm the number of victims while the examination continued. “This won’t be a fast-moving operation; it will be methodical and take time to work through what is a pretty complex and hazardous scene,” he said. Structural instability at the site meant extra precautions were required to keep investigators safe.
Manawatū District Mayor Michael Ford described the incident as a “devastating tragedy,” saying he understood four people, including children, had died. “Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” he said. “Our Sanson community is small and tight-knit, and this will be deeply felt across the wider Manawatū.”
Neighbour Alan Parker, who lives about 300 metres from the property, said he and coworkers noticed smoke rising from behind nearby trees. “We could tell it was a ferocious fire… it was going to be a catastrophic loss of the house,” he said. “Very upsetting. Feeling for the young family that we knew lived there.”
Local shop owner Andi Whitley said the community was heartbroken. “It’s so devastating. We’re thinking of the family and also the emergency responders, many of them local volunteers, who had to face such an awful scene.”
Police continue to provide support to affected families and neighbours as the investigation progresses.