At about 7.45am this morning emergency services were called to a house fire in Otipua Road, Timaru. On arrival,the dwelling was found to be well involved in fire and fire personnel quickly gained control of the fire, putting it out quickly.
Sadly, a two year old boy was found lying in the bathroom and despite efforts by ambulance staff, he was unable to be revived. The cause of death will be established by a post mortem.
Fire Safety officers have been in attendance at the scene and are working to identify the cause of the fire which has caused substantial damage to the house.
Senior Sergeant Mal Schwartfeger of the Timaru Police said that a neighbour smelt the smoke and came straight over to the house, finding the mother trying to get inside the house. He stopped her, and went around the back to try getting in through the back however the flames were too fierce.
The mother of the child has been taken to Timaru hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and some minor cuts to her hands. She is yet to be interviewed by Police.
At this stage there are no indications that there are any suspicious circumstances surrounding the fire. The name of the child will be released later today after all family members have been informed.