Ashburton police: Deaths were 'an accidental tragedy'

The woman who died has been identified as Cindy George. It is understood Ms George has three preschool aged children and is separated from their father, who also lives and works in Ashburton. Police believe the deaths of a mother and three young children in Tinwald last night were accidental. District Commander John Price said police believe that gas caused the deaths. A car was believed to have been running in a garage with internal access to the house, he said - that door was open when police arrived at the scene.