Friends are rallying around a mother who lost three children in a devastating house fire in Sanson, Manawatū.
The blaze broke out around 2.30pm on Saturday, prompting a significant emergency services response.
Police have confirmed four fatalities from the Manawatū home – three children and a man.
In a GiveALittle page set up yesterday evening, friends of the family paid tribute to the grieving mother.
“Our dear friend has suffered the sudden, unbearable loss of her three beloved children, her angels … They were the light and love of her life, and her entire world has been shattered,” they wrote.
The page said, “in the midst of this unimaginable grief, she also lost her home and everything she owned”.
It named the children as August, Hugo and Goldie.
The woman said she’d set up the page to “create a safety net” for the children’s mother.
“She is facing the hardest journey possible, stripped of her physical security while navigating the deepest emotional pain.”
Manawatū Mayor Michael Ford speaks about Saturday’s fire that saw three children and an adult lose their lives. (Source: Breakfast)
A police spokesperson said the meticulous scene examination was “slowly progressing” yesterday afternoon.
“Both the structure and the dust in the air is making this work hazardous for our people, but it is important we get it right,” they said.
A scene guard remained in place overnight, with officers to return again this morning to continue investigations supported by a forensic pathologist.
Police were not seeking anyone in relation to the fire.
Inspector Ross Grantham, Manawatū Area Commander said last night that the bodies of two children were recovered from the scene, 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,” he said.
Manawatū District Mayor Michael Ford told 1News yesterday it was a “devastating event” for the town, saying his heart went out to those involved.
Ford said Sanson was a “tight-knit community” filled with “a lot of caring people [and] good support”.
