By: Richard L. Smith
City and county officials are investigating a fatal fire that broke out early Wednesday morning inside a row house in Newark’s South Ward.
According to preliminary reports, firefighters were dispatched around 1:30 a.m. to a home in the 20s block of Astor Street following 911 calls reporting a fire with possible occupants trapped inside.
Upon arrival, crews encountered heavy flames pouring from the top floor of a three-story building.
Firefighters quickly stretched multiple hose lines to attack the blaze and made entry into the burning home.
Inside, two victims were located. A young female was rushed to University Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
A second victim was also transported to the hospital and is reported to be in serious condition.
Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control in less than 30 minutes.
The cause of the fire remains under active investigation, and The Essex County Bn Prosecutor’s Office has not yet determined what sparked the flames.
No other injuries were reported, and authorities are working to identify the victims.