20 Jun 2014

Fatal house fire caused by explosion

5:30 pm on 20 June 2014

Police believe an explosion and fire at a west Auckland home where a man was then found dead is domestic-related.

A woman thought to be the dead man's partner is in hospital with head injuries and was due to have surgery on Friday.

Police said the man was in his 40s and the woman is about the same age.

Detective Senior Sergeant James Bothamley said a call was made to police just before 9am on Friday alerting them to an assault taking place in Makora Road Massey. He said people then reported a huge explosion.

"The lower part of the address has a lot of painting supplies and other flammable equipment in there, so we believe that's what possibly caused the explosion."

However, Mr Bothamley said fire scenes are notoriously complex to investigate and it would be some time before they know what happened.

Neighbours said they woke to see smoke billowing out of the house and heard the windows cracking.

Police are not seeking any one else in relation to the incident.

The scene of the fire in Makora Road, Massey.

The scene of the fire in Makora Road, Massey. Photo: RNZ