The distraught father of the young man injured in a fatal west Auckland blaze on Monday morning says he has "no words."
Police confirmed that two people were killed in the house fire in the suburb of Hillpark, and a third person taken to hospital with serious injuries.
"Emergency services were called to the Freshney Place property at around 6:55am following reports of the house on fire," a spokesperson said.
"Despite efforts from first responders, one person received critical injuries, and sadly died at the scene. A second person was also located deceased at the scene."
They said a third person was transported to hospital in a serious condition.
The father of that man, Panataua Rangitaawa, arrived at the scene of the fire on Monday morning, and said he and his wife Missy are devastated.
The 20-year-old is currently in Middlemore Hospital.
"Me and my wife, Missy, we were here late last night at 8pm and everything was fine," Panataua told Newshub.
"We got a phone call around about 7am this morning to say the house was on fire."
He said there were five people living there, including his mother and his 91-year-old grandmother.
"We didn't know where they were and if they were home or not, but it turns out they weren't here, they were staying at my sister's place in Pukekohe," he said.
"One of our sons and two of his mates that live here, were all here... two are deceased and one is in hospital at the moment.
"I don't know what to say to the other families," he said slowly. "We feel for their families."
"I have just come from the hospital," Missy added. "I've been with our son, who has severe burns.
"We were just talking with the plastic surgeons before we came. He's awake and is aware of what's going on and what has happened to his mates."
Missy described the two who died as "lovely boys".
"Happy, glass half-full, laughter," Panataua added.
Speaking to media at the scene, Fire and Emergency Assistant Commissioner Brendon Irwin said fire investigators are working alongside police to determine the cause of the fire.
He issued a reminder to ensure fireplaces are in working order ahead of winter.
"If you've got a wood burner, just ensure that you've got it swept at this time of year, ensure that you have a guard around if you've got children and pets and turn the damper down before going to bed at night," Asst Cmmr Irwin said.
Police have asked the public to stay away from the area while investigations continue.
