Girl, 3, dies in Christchurch fire – mother not expected to survive

A 3-year-old girl has died and six people – including four children under the age of six – are injured after a fire ripped through a home in Christchurch last night.

Emergency services were called to Whitehall St in Mairehau around 8.25pm on Thursday.

"Sadly, a child died at the scene," police said earlier today.

"One person received critical injuries, three were in a serious to moderate condition, and two received minor injuries. The injured are two adults and four children and were all transported to hospital."

In an update on Friday evening, Detective Senior Sergeant Jo Carolan confirmed a three-year-old had died.

"We can now confirm that the child who died in the house fire was a three-year-old girl," Carolan said.

The girl's siblings – aged between 10 weeks and five years old – were taken to hospital.

"Three of the surviving children have been discharged and are in the care of family members. One child, a girl aged two years old, remains in hospital in a stable condition, with moderate injuries."

Carolan said the children's mother, a 23-year-old woman, was in critical condition and "sadly is not expected to survive her injuries".

The fire was not being treated as suspicious.

Inquiries by police and Fire and Emergency services were ongoing, including a scene examination.

An increased presence would remain in the Whitehall St area while inquiries continued.

"This is a heart-breaking tragedy for the whānau, and police extend our deepest sympathies as they navigate this devastating time."

St John confirmed it sent four ambulances, two rapid response vehicles and two operations managers.

Neighbour Surendren Subashchandrabose had been at work when the fire broke out, and came home to find the road blocked. He said he was "so worried" when he found out about the blaze.

"I'm just praying for them to be safe," he said about the family. He described having seen them out and about and going for walks.

Noel John Jabiguero, who also lives nearby, said he was driving home at around 9pm when he saw "heaps of police cars".

"I drove past, and I saw smoke and stuff."

He said it was "really sad" to hear someone had died in the blaze.

"I didn't expect this to happen."

Carolan said 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."

She also added that the fire was not believed to be suspicious but the cause was still to be determined.

Four fire crews responded from Christchurch, Redwood and Anzac stations responded, with the building ablaze when they arrived.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesperson said crews worked to extinguish the fire, with the last crew leaving just before midnight.