Paraparaumu Beach, Kapiti Coast, Wellington

Shortly after midnight this morning Emergency services were called to a house fire in Callender Terrace, Paraparaumu Beach.

Upon arrival the Fire Service found the 3 bed room house totally engulfed in flames.

The house, at the time was occupied by 3 adults and 3 young children.

Two of the adult occupants and a young baby were able to escape the fire unharmed.

Two neighbors had already gone to the rear of the house and after smashing a bedroom window rescued a young child.

A short time later police and fire service staff located and removed a female and another young child from the same bedroom. Both were unconscious.

Fire, ambulance staff and EMS resuscitated the young child however attempts to revive the female were unsuccessful and she died at the scene a short time later.

The child was airlifted to Wellington Hospital by Westpac helicopter. The other young child, who was rescued by neighbors, was taken by ambulance to hospital.

Both the young children are in the Wellington Hospitals Intensive Care Unit, their condition is described as serious.

The other two adults and child were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. They did not require further medical treatment.

A 54 year male neighbor who came to the rescue received a serious cut to his hand whilst assisting in the rescue. (Smashed the bedroom window to gain access) He was also treated for his injuries at the scene.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.

The address has been cordoned off and an investigation will be commenced later this morning by Police and the NZ Fire Service.

There is little doubt if it were not for the valiant actions of the neighbors, Emergency Services and the Police that further loss of life would have occurred.

Updates will be released when they become available.

At this stage the details of the deceased woman will not be released.