By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities in Burlington County are investigating the cause of an apartment fire that claimed the lives of a mother and her son Thursday.
Burlington Township officials said at approximately 3:00 a.m., the tranquil Northgate Village Apartments in Burlington Township, New Jersey, witnessed a heart-wrenching incident.
Burlington Township Police responded to distressing reports of smoke billowing from a neighboring apartment window.
As officers arrived at the scene, they were met with a harrowing sight – thick smoke engulfing the apartment. Despite their valiant efforts to gain entry, the heavy smoke thwarted their attempts until the arrival of the fire department.
With the flames partially subdued, firefighters managed to enter the apartment.
Tragically, within the smoke-filled apartment were two victims, identified as Ms. Sandra Stevenson, 63, and her son, Mr. Eric Stevenson, 28, both residents of Burlington Township.
First responders, including Police, Fire, and EMS, quickly initiated CPR in a desperate bid to save their lives.
However, their heroic efforts proved unsuccessful, as both victims were declared deceased at the scene.
The fire, contained in a single apartment, left no room for escape for the unfortunate mother and son. While the blaze's origin remains uncertain, a collaborative investigation is underway.
The Burlington County Prosecutor's Office, along with the Burlington Township and Burlington County Fire Marshal's Offices, are dedicated to uncovering the circumstances that led to this tragic incident.