Manawatū fire: Four dead, including three children

Four people, including three children, have died in a house fire in Sanson, Manawatū's mayor has confirmed.

Police earlier said several people died in the blaze on Saturday afternoon at a home on State Highway 1, just south of the town, but would not specify how many.

Police investigators were beginning a complex scene examination on Sunday and it was confirmed police were not seeking anyone else in relation to the fire.

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It was understood police were searching for three children after the fire, and were not seeking anyone in relation to the blaze.

A small group of people were seen hugging outside the driveway on Sunday evening.

A large black van was seen driving backwards into the driveway.

Six police cars, and two fire and emergency utes were stationed near the property, which was just off State Highway One, south of Sanson.

The home was down a driveway and was not visible from the road.

On the driveway, a silver police van was visible, with two police officers stationed in front of the driveway.

A person was seen coming out of the driveway in white overalls.

Mayor Michael Ford said it was a devastating tragedy, in which four people had died.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased. I hope they accept our condolences on behalf of the Manawatū community, and I'm sure the entire New Zealand community."

Ford said locals were reeling.

"Our Sanson community, it's a small village, but it's an important part of the Manawatū community, and these are caring communities and no doubt will provide good support in this very sad time.

"We've also got to think about the police, Fire and Emergency personnel and all the responders who have obviously been through a traumatic time yesterday, so we thank them profusely.

"But our main thoughts and our community love are with the family and friends of those who are left behind."

Ford said the community was small and the tragedy upsetting for many.

"It's a tight-knit community, a small community, very close to Ohakea Air Base, so there are a number of Ohakea personnel in Sanson as there are in Feilding, which is not far away at all.

"So [this] will be rippling right throughout the community and deeply felt, deeply hurt and we can only imagine what the people closely affected are going through."

Manawatū area commander Inspector Ross Grantham said police were not yet in a position to confirm the number of fatalities themselves.

"We are waiting for the completion of the scene examination, which will also help us piece together the circumstances that led to this tragic event.

"The investigation team will be working their way through the property today, supported by a forensic pathologist. 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."

There were concerns about the stability of the remaining structure and "we need to make sure our people are safe while they carry out their work", Grantham said.

While the investigation was ongoing, police were also providing wraparound support to the family and neighbours.

"I want to acknowledge the support we've had from the Sanson township and wider Manawatū community. Events like this hit at the hearts of our communities and we are doing everything we can to answer the many questions around this devastating incident."

Tight-knit community 'heartbroken'

Local shop owner Andi Whitley of Retro America was shocked and saddened, and said it was devastating for the tight-knit community.

"It's so heartbreaking to hear such devastating news," she said.

"We're thinking about the family and anyone that was involved, either in the wider community or anyone that had to deal with actually dealing with it on site, all of the emergency response people - I can't imagine how difficult and devastating it is for them, they do such an amazing job."

Whitley said many of the emergency response teams were local volunteers.

"I can't even imagine that they can ever be equipped for that, but yes, so often they are locals and volunteers from a small community that, I imagine in a situation like that, it's quite rare that they don't know somebody that's been involved, and yeah to be able to do such an amazing job is admirable."

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