Forensic scientists investigate fatal house fire

File photo / NZ Herald

Forensic scientists have been called in to investigate a fatal house fire on the East Coast.

A 48-year-old woman died and her husband was injured when fire engulfed their Tikitiki home just after 7pm on Wednesday night.

Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Scott of Gisborne said investigations into the fire were continuing today.

A post-mortem examination on the woman was to be held in Palmerston North today.

The house, which was extensively damaged in the fire, was well alight by the time volunteer firefighters arrived.

The dead woman's husband was found outside the house and was too distraught to talk.

The house is 2km north of Tikitiki on State Highway 35 and is visible from the road.

A passing driver alerted the fire service at 7.09pm.

The woman's husband, believed to be in his 50s, was taken to Te Puia Springs Hospital.