Father and three children die in house fire in Sanson; SH1 closed for six hours

Wellington.Scoop
Four people – three of them children – died in a house fire in the Manawatū town of Sanson yesterday.

Manawatū District Mayor Michael Ford told the NZ Herald that police have confirmed the four fatalities to him, calling the incident “a sore hit” for the small tight-knit town.

RNZ earlier reported that a man and his three children died in the fire.

Police Inspector Ross Grantham said the bodies of two children have been recovered from the scene this evening, with family present to bless them with karakia. “Work is ongoing to locate the body of a third child, while the body of an adult has already been removed.”

Fire crews from the Bulls, Rongotea, Manawatū, Whanganui, Marton and Palmerston North brigades were called to the fire southwest of the town at 2.30. Flames engulfed the home, closing SH1 between Phillips Street and Speedy Road. The main road was closed for six hours.

Police commenced an investigation today. They said they are not seeking anyone in relation to the fire. A Police guard remained in place overnight.

A Givealittle page set up by friends of the mother raised almost $60,000 in four hours today.

The page described the fire as a “devastating loss beyond measure” and the goal was to provide the family with the “space and security needed to grieve in solitude”.

“In the midst of this unimaginable grief, she also lost her home and everything she owned. She is facing the hardest journey possible, stripped of her physical security, while navigating the deepest emotional pain.”

Mayor Ford told RNZ: “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 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. “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 are 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.

Police are 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.”