Taihape house fire victim named

Police can now release the name of the man who died in a house fire in Utiku near Taihape on Saturday 11 May.

Hamish Allan, a local farm worker, aged 28, from Taihape was in the house with his partner at the time of the fire which happened around 10:30pm.

Taihape Constable Tony Lomas said: "A good samaritan was passing by at the time and noticed smoke and flames coming from the house. He entered the house and woke Mr Allan's partner who was asleep."

"She managed to exit the burning house with her cat and the man went back in for Mr Allan, however the house was soon engulfed in flames and he was unable to get to him safely."

Police, Fire, and Ambulance attended the scene. The woman was uninjured and was checked over by ambulance staff.

The joint Police and Fire Service investigation is ongoing and the death has now been referred to the coroner.

Fire investigators are working to establish the cause of the fire. Police do not believe the fire was suspicious.

ENDS