Source: Radio New Zealand
The house in Mairehau on Friday morning. RNZ / Louis Dunham
A child has died and six people have been injured, one critically, after a house fire in Christchurch.
Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand have started inquiries after the child died at the scene of the fire in Mairehau.
One person received critical injuries, three were in a serious to moderate condition, and two received minor injuries, police said on Friday.
A scene investigation is underway. RNZ / Sam Sherwood
The injured are two adults and four children and they were all transported to hospital.
Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan says a scene guard was put in place at the property overnight.
“Police will be carrying out a scene examination today, including working with Fire and Emergency New Zealand fire investigators.”
The cause of the fire is still to be determined, but it is not believed to be suspicious.
RNZ / Louis Dunham
Emergency services were called at about 8.25pm on Thursday.
An RNZ reporter at the scene on Friday morning says neighbours told her a family had lived there.
RNZ understands neighbours helped people who had come out of the house.
The reporter said she has been told by one neighbour that they saw “very high flames” when they came outside last night.
Emergency services at the scene of the house fire. RNZ / Louis Dunham
Emergency services were called to the property on Whitehall Street at around 8.25pm.
Christchurch Metro Area Commander Superintendent Lane Todd said emergency services remained at the scene late on Thursday night.
Cordons remain in place on Whitehall Street and Hills Road.
Damage is visible especially in the top section of the house. RNZ / Louis Dunham
At first, it was unclear how many people were in the house.
“Reports were made that a house was on fire with people unaccounted for,” Todd said in a previous statement.
Firefighters, police and St John staff were at the scene last night alongwith Police Commissioner Richard Chambers who briefly attended.
RNZ / Louis Dunham
Cordons are in place on Whitehall Street and Hills Road. RNZ / Louis Dunham
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