Newark -- Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and East Orange Public Safety Director Sheilah Coley announced today that the Essex County Prosecutor's Office and East Orange fire and police are investigating a fatal fire.
According to authorities, approximately 5 am today a fire broke out at 60 Midland Avenue in East Orange.
The home was occupied by nine people.
Eight people escaped authorities said.
The owner of the home, 72-year-old Maureen Phillips was initially unaccounted for but her body has since been discovered and she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities said, her 38-year-old son was injured and is being treated.
In addition, a 52-year-old woman was injured and is hospitalized in critical condition authorities said.
Six others, ranging in age from 36 years old to one year old, were in the home at the time the blaze broke out.
The fire also spread to 64 Midland, an unoccupied structure.
The cause of the fire in still undetermined authorities said.
The investigation is active and ongoing.
UPDATE FROM ECPO 2:25 p.m. : Ms. Philip's body has NOT been found. She has not "officially" been pronounced dead.