By: Richard L. Smith
ESSEX COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE UPDATE 6:02 a.m. “We can confirm that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Crime Scene Investigations Bureau is investigating”.
“It is still very early in the process and we have no further information” .
On Wednesday night, at least two firefighters suffered fatal injuries while battling a fire onboard a large ship in Port Newark.
A preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 9:25 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to Suez Street after they learned of a structure fire.
Upon arrival, firefighters found the Grande Costa D'Avorio ship carrying thousands of cars with at least a half dozen on fire on the top deck. Fire officials struck a second alarm that drew companies from Bayonne, Jersey City, Elizabeth, FDNY, and several other departments.
Firefighters were ordered to assist in a search and rescue for missing firefighters while battling intense heat and smoke on the massive ship.
As conditions deteriorated for crews fighting the fire and attempting to find the missing members, rescue crews also trapped several decks in choking smoke and high heat. The ship carried over 5000 cars, and the fire broke out on the 11th floor.
This required firefighters to climb staircases to reach fresh air from above.
Two Newark firefighters suffered fatal injuries, and the investigation is active and ongoing.
Officials said several injured officers were taken to area hospitals, including University Hospital in Newark, for treatment of various injuries.