NEWARK, NJ – The disturbing death of two young girls has plunged a Newark community into mourning after a house fire broke out during a birthday celebration. The two victims, aged 6 and 8, succumbed to severe injuries while eight other individuals sustained injuries in the late-night blaze, officials reported.
Witnesses recounted seeing the girls playing and accidentally igniting a fire near a couch in the hallway of the home’s second floor. As the flames quickly spread to the third floor, panic ensued, marking a night of chaos and heartbreak for the residents.
Investigators from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office continue to probe the cause of the fire, with tenant Lynwood Duncan raising concerns about previously reported code violations, including obstructed hallways. Duncan recounts his fortune of being away at the time, fearing he might have been trapped amid the commotion.
The residence on Eckert Avenue, housing three families, became a scene of terror as neighbors witnessed the distress and cries. Immediate aid from first responders and municipal officials was not enough to prevent the heartbreaking loss.
The children’s fate has triggered widespread sorrow, emphasizing the urgent need to address safety in multi-family living environments. Shonda Simpson, a nearby resident, conveyed her grief over the loss witnessed that night despite rapid response efforts.
The ongoing investigation and its findings are crucial as the affected families and community members seek closure and preventive solutions. This incident is a grim reminder of the unpredictability of fires and the critical importance of maintaining safe living conditions.