The father of the children – believed to be in his 30s – was described as a local businessman and records indicate he had owned the property wrecked in the blaze for nearly 10 years.<\/p>\n
Company Office documents show he has run businesses since 2018.<\/p>\n
A forensic pathologist will work alongside police investigators on a \u201ccomplex scene examination\u201d of the damaged property.<\/p>\n
Manawat\u016b area commander Inspector Ross Grantham said police are waiting for the completion of the scene examination to piece together the circumstances that led to the blaze. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis won\u2019t be a fast-moving operation; it will be methodical and take time to work through what is a pretty complex and hazardous scene.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grantham said there were concerns about the stability of the remaining structure and they needed to make sure staff were safe while they worked. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhile the investigation is ongoing, police are also providing wrap-around support to the family and neighbours,\u201d Grantham said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to acknowledge the support we\u2019ve had from the Sanson township and wider Manawat\u016b community. <\/p>\n
\u201cEvents 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grantham said further information will be provided when it becomes available.<\/p>\n
Ford called the tragedy \u201ca sore hit\u201d for the tight-knit town. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis is going to hurt our community – we are a caring community who will feel this deeply. <\/p>\n
\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
A person who lives near the fire said it was \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
Grantham announced the deaths on Saturday evening.<\/p>\n
The Herald understands police had been searching for three children after the blaze broke out. <\/p>\n
Fire and Emergency NZ handed the scene over to the police who put a guard in place overnight on Saturday. <\/p>\n
The large blaze closed State Highway 1 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 blaze. <\/p>\n
Fire and Emergency New Zealand declined to comment when approached by the Herald. <\/p>\n