By: Richard L. Smith
The Essex County Prosecutor's Office has confirmed their involvement in a fire investigation that claimed the lives of two of Newark's bravest firefighters Wednesday nights.
RLS Media learned that both men worked in firehouses in Newark's Ironbound section.
One of the men was a part of Engine 16 on Ferry Street, while the other firefighter worked for the Engine 27/Ladder 4 team on Elm Road.
We are waiting for city officials to properly release the firefighter's identity, but both men were Newark East Ward natives who loved their community and adored the work they did, several residents told RLS Media.
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 were 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.
Both firefighters were confirmed dead at the scene.
This investigation is active and ongoing.
