\u201cIt\u2019s a tragedy, and our hearts go out to the family and the friends of the deceased. We hope that they\u2019ll accept our sincere condolences. <\/p>\n
\u201c[Sanson] is an important part of our Manawat\u016b community. We must thank our police and our fire and emergency, and all the responders.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said police confirmed to him four people had died in the blaze. <\/p>\n
\u201cPolice have told me, they\u2019ve told me, four people – including three children.\u201d<\/p>\n
Neighbours told the Herald yesterday that the family that resided at the now gutted home are \u201clovely\u201d. <\/p>\n
A person who lives near the fire said the incident is \u201cvery upsetting\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll I can say is they are a lovely family and neighbours.\u201d <\/p>\n
The neighbour described the children at the home as \u201chappy, sweet kids\u201d.<\/p>\n
Police earlier confirmed they were not seeking anyone else in relation to the fire. <\/p>\n
Manawat\u016b Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham announced the deaths in a statement on Saturday evening. <\/p>\n
\u201cPolice can confirm there have been several fatalities at the scene of a house fire in Sanson. <\/p>\n
\u201cEmergency services were called to the property southwest of the town about 2.30pm,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
Fire and Emergency NZ handed the scene over to the police, who then commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the fire.<\/p>\n
A police scene guard remained in place overnight on Saturday. <\/p>\n
The large blaze closed SH1 between Phillips St and Speedy Rd, police said. <\/p>\n
Firefighters from the Bulls, Rongotea, Manawat\u016b, Whanganui, Marton and Palmerston North brigades were called to the serious incident.<\/p>\n
Fire and Emergency New Zealand declined to comment when approached by the Herald. <\/p>\n