Emergency services were called to the blaze at the property on SH1, Sanson about 2.30pm on Saturday.
Police have confirmed four people died at the scene. Stuff understands they were three young children – two boys and a girl – and their father.
Investigators are believed to be looking at the possibility the fire was deliberately lit, and have said they’re not seeking anyone in relation to it.
The children were thought to be aged between 1 – 8, according to a neighbour.
It’s understood the couple who had lived at the property were separating.
In a Givealittle post on Sunday, titled ‘A mother’s worst nightmare, grieving the loss of her three babies, tragically taken too soon’, a woman said one of her “dear friends has suffered the sudden and unbearable loss of her three beloved children”.
“They were the light and love of her life, and her entire world has been shattered.
“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.”
The woman said on the page she’d set up the Givealittle to “create a safety net” for the children’s mother.
“Our goal is to provide her with the space and security needed to grieve in solitude, without the additional financial stress.
“We cannot mend her broke heart, but we can wrap her in community support. Please join us in offering this gift of peace and practical help during this darkest time.”
Manawatū area commander Inspector Ross Grantham said the bodies of two children were recovered from the scene on Sunday evening and “family was present during this time 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,” Grantham said.
“The family of the deceased are devastated at the loss of their loved ones.
“They are thankful and very grateful for the support and concern they are receiving from the community.”
Investigators would focus on recovering the third child on Monday and “completing a meticulous and thorough scene examination”, Grantham said.
“This tragedy has shocked not only the local community, but also many people across the country.
“Our investigators remain determined to find answers to as many questions as we can.”
Police ‘ran toward house’
A Sanson man who Stuff has chosen not to name said he drove past the fire at about 2.45pm on Saturday. The house was well ablaze with thick billowing smoke.
The man said he saw two police officers with “big guns” running towards the house. There were fire engines present.
The police officers were dressed in black with masks on.
‘I don’t think it gets much worse’
Neighbour Alan Parker spoke of the tragedy that occurred close to his house.
“I don’t think it gets much worse. It’s really really bad for the people who are left behind to deal with it.”
Parker knew the father as a neighbour and said while they weren’t quite friends, the man would help fix up his truck and other mechanical bits and pieces.
He did not know the mother or the children, but he’d seen them playing on bikes and scooters on the property. The father would take them fishing and into the outdoors.
“Things seemed to be going well for them. They spent a heap of money renovating, he’s been painting for the last six months.”
On Saturday he saw the flames and smoke and thought it was his own house that was alight. Then he realised it was theirs.
“The smoke was so bad I thought my house was on fire.”
He didn’t know anyone was home until later. The police came to his house looking for the children.
Finding out each new detail was a “ratcheting up” of tragedy, he said.
“There’s a hole that’s not going to be filled very easily”
Police investigation team on site
Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham said on Sunday morning that 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.”
He said 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”.
While the investigation was ongoing, Grantham said police were also providing wrap-around 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.”
Grantham said police were not seeking anyone else in relation to what happened.
‘Absolutely devastating’
Manawatū mayor Michael Ford told Stuff what had happened was absolutely devastating and a tragedy.
He confirmed that four people had died, including three children.
Sanson is a small but strong community and Ford said he had no doubt people would rally around and support the family and friends of the deceased.
On behalf of the Manawatū and New Zealand community, he offered his thoughts and condolences.
Sanson School principal Grayson Marsh said the entire school was “profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of life in the Sanson house fire”.
“Our thoughts are completely with the affected whānau and the wider community during this extremely difficult time.”
A near neighbour to the property told Stuff about 5.30pm police had not long allowed her to return to her own house.
“We have trees between us, but from what I can see there is no house left. It is really bad.”
The neighbour, who asked not to be named, said they knew the family who lived at the property. They had three young children, she thought aged around 1 to 8.
“[The police] were looking for the kids. They searched our property looking for them.
“They have always been great neighbours, they have been really kind to us and really lovely people, so this is a real shock.”
