Acting Essex County Officials announced that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force and the Nutley Police and Fire departments are investigating a fatal fire that took the life of Mr. Joseph Collar, 74.
Officials say, Saturday, Oct. 10 at approximately 6:00 pm a fire broke out in the single-family, wood-frame home located at 17 Myrtle Avenue.
Mr. Collar was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:53 p.m. His wife sustained serious injuries and was transported to Clara Maas Medical Center.
Officials said she is in serious condition.
The cause and origin of the fire are under investigation but the preliminary investigation indicates there was heavy fire damage in the garage.
The investigation is ongoing.