8 Mar 2024

Baby killed in large house fire in south Taranaki

4:00 pm on 8 March 2024
Generic fire truck.

(file image) Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

Police have confirmed the person who died in a fire in Normanby, Taranaki on Friday morning was an infant.

Fire and Emergency were called to the fire at a Fitzroy Street property shortly after 4am. More than 20 firefighters tackled the blaze at its peak.

The death was confirmed about 6.15am.

A scene examination was underway that afternoon, and police are making enquiries.

"We are working hard to establish the circumstances that have led to this tragic incident," police said in a statement.

"Support is being offered to those involved. We know that the community will be shocked and saddened by this incident."