Three young children killed in New Zealand house fire as community rallies behind mother

Three young children have died in a house fire, with a devastated New Zealand community now rallying around the grieving mother.

August, Hugo and Goldie — aged from one to seven — were killed when the inferno ripped through the family home in Sanson, in the Manawatu region of the North Island, about 2.30pm on Saturday.

Police confirmed four people died including the three children and an adult, believed to be their father.

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The fire is reportedly being treated as a suspected triple murder-suicide, according to New Zealand news site Stuff.

The children’s mother is enduring “a mother’s worst nightmare, grieving the loss of her three babies tragically taken too soon”, friends who have set up a fundraiser for her said.

“We are reaching out with heavy hearts to support our cherished friend Chelsey, who is enduring a devastating loss beyond measure,” one friend said on the Givealittle site.

“Our dear friend has suffered the sudden, unbearable loss of her three beloved children.

“They were the light and love of her life and her entire world has been shattered.”

The friend said as well as the “unimaginable grief” of her children’s deaths, the mother had 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 friend said.

A community has rallied behind a devastated New Zealand family after a house fire claimed the lives of three young children. Credit: Givealittle

Manawatu Area Commander Ross Grantham said the bodies of two of the children had been recovered from the scene on Sunday evening, with a traditional karakia blessing performed by the family.

Work continued on Monday morning to locate the body of a third child, while the body of an adult has also been removed.

“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,” Grantham said.

“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.”

Police said there were concerns about the stability of the remaining structure and they “need to make sure our people are safe while they carry out their work”.

“I want to acknowledge the support we’ve had from the Sanson township and wider Manawatū community,” Grantham said.

“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.”

Police confirmed they are not seeking anyone in relation to the fire.

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