The fire started on the first floor of the house on Martin Luther King Drive in Jersey City, shortly after 11:30 pm
The first respondents were received outside by a mother and her 6-year-old son, who said that two children were still inside the house.
The Hudson County Regional Arson Fire Task Force is investigating a fatal fire that occurred last night at 470 MLK Drive shortly after 11:30 pm, in which an 11-year-old and an 8-month-old child died. More information to follow.
– ProsecutorSuarezHCPO (@HCPOProsecutor) February 11, 2021
After fighting the dense smoke, firefighters located two victims on the second floor.
The 11-year-old girl was pronounced dead at the scene, while her 8-month-old brother was transported to Jersey City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 12:24 pm
The fire was reported under control at 12:07 pm
“I don’t even want to imagine it,” neighbor Lawrence Anderson told Eyewitness News. “These are the ages of the children I teach. Any child in danger hurts me.”
Three policemen were treated for smoke inhalation.
“We knocked on the door, people shouted and said to us: ‘Help! Get out! ‘”Said neighbor Brandy Williams. “I’m just shocked. I sent prayers, hopefully for the police who are injured. We thank you for trying to help us.”
Residents of several annexed houses, damaged by smoke, were given shelter.
The Hudson County Regional Incendiary Fire Task Force is working to determine what caused the fire.
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