A person was found dead following a house fire in Ruapehu, with police suggesting it may be connected to a fatal crash that occurred shortly after.
Emergency services were called to the house fire on Kaha Street in Rangataua at around 6.40pm on Thursday.
The fire was extinguished by Fire and Emergency crews, and police were notified by 7.25pm.
A scene guard was put in place, and an examination was carried out the next day.
On Friday, a person was found dead inside the house, with work underway to formally identify them.
A scene guard remained in place as investigators worked to determine the circumstances of the fire.
While crews were working to put out the fire on Thursday, a person was killed in a two-vehicle crash on SH49 in Tangiwai, a short drive east from Rangataua.
Inspector Neil Forlong said initial enquiries suggested the two incidents may be connected.
"While that person is also yet to be formally identified, the vehicle involved is believed to be connected to the address where the fire occurred," he said.
The investigation was described as being in "very early stages" with residents in the area advised they may notice an increased police presence as enquiries continued.
Police urged anyone with relevant information on either incident to reach out via 105.
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