The body of a man killed in a house fire near Taihape overnight was recovered from the scene this afternoon.
Whanganui fire service assistant area manager Greg Ward said fire staff and police were carrying out a detailed investigation on site today.
Mr Ward said another occupant had been pulled from the house on Micklesons Rd in Utiku by a member of the public.
"I understand a passerby saw the fire, called the fire service, and they managed to wake the other occupant to get them out of the house but weren't able to do anything for the deceased."
Mr Ward said the cause of the blaze was still being investigated. "It looks like it may have been in the bathroom-shower area; that was the indication last night, but I'm sure we'll know a lot more once they've completed the investigation."
Fire crews were called to the address just before 11pm, and found the house well involved.
They confirmed the body of a man was found inside the property at about 12.15am.
