Elderly Couple Dies in Devastating Fire at Foxton Beach Home

A tragic fire at a home in Foxton Beach has claimed the lives of an elderly couple, identified as Tomi and Fiona Marsh. The blaze erupted early on the morning of March 15, 2024, leading to an outpouring of support from the local community as family members mourn their loss.

Witnesses reported hearing loud explosions as the fire quickly engulfed the couple’s property on Queen Street. Neighbours described the scene as chaotic, with many coming together to assist each other during the emergency. Pomana Marsh, speaking on behalf of his family, expressed profound gratitude for the community’s support during this difficult time.

“My family and I are deeply grateful for the support and kindness shown by the local community today,” Marsh stated. “We also want to acknowledge the authorities for their compassion, assistance, and professionalism during this incredibly tragic time for our family.”

Community Response and Investigation

According to Manawatū Police Area Commander Ross Grantham, the bodies of both victims were recovered from the scene and will be formally identified in the coming days. Grantham emphasized the police’s commitment to supporting the family and the community following this devastating incident.

“Our thoughts are also with the tight-knit community of Foxton Beach,” Grantham said. “Police have an increased presence in the town today, and officers will be engaging with community members and providing support following this traumatic incident.”

Residents described the intense moment when the fire ignited. One woman recalled being awakened around 5:00 a.m. by a neighbour who alerted her to the flames. “By that stage, the house was well alight. We were across the street and it was too hot to stay there,” she recounted.

Another resident reported hearing multiple loud bangs around 4:45 a.m. and seeing smoke billowing from the Marsh home. “It’s upset everybody today,” she noted, reflecting on the typically quiet nature of the neighbourhood where “everyone looks after each other.”

Emergency Response Efforts

When firefighters arrived on the scene around 5:20 a.m., they found a property fully engulfed in flames. Assistant Commander Barry Madgwick of Fire and Emergency New Zealand stated that 25 firefighters worked diligently to contain the blaze, which was exacerbated by the age of the building.

“Brigades did an extremely good job of containing that fire to the property involved,” Madgwick remarked. He added that investigations were underway to determine the cause and origin of the fire, with several police officers working alongside fire investigators at the scene.

The authorities have established cordons around the site of the fire, limiting access to Queen Street from Andrews Street to Edinburgh Terrace. A tent has been set up outside the damaged house as officials continue their inquiries.

The local community is left grieving the loss of two beloved residents. As investigations progress, the area remains a focal point for both mourning and support. The family has not yet commented further on the incident, but the outpouring of community solidarity is evident as Foxton Beach pulls together in the face of this tragedy.