One woman is dead and another in a critical condition in hospital after being rescued from a burning house yesterday evening in Castlecliff, Whanganui.

Emergency services were called to the Golf Vue address at about 6pm.

Fire-fighters entered the property and rescued the two women who were immediately transported to the Wanganui Hospital.

The woman died in hospital yesterday evening.

There were no other occupants in the house at the time of the fire.

The property sustained significant damage.

Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Forlong of the Whanganui CIB says: "Preliminary indications suggest the fire was not suspicious; however we will be carrying out a thorough investigation alongside a fire scene investigator to determine the cause which at this stage is unknown."

A scene examination will be conducted at the property today.

Police will not release any further details about the deceased until their next of kin has been informed.

Souce: New Zealand Police.