By: Richard L. Smith
Authorities are investigating a devastating house fire in West Orange that claimed the lives of an adult and two children earlier today.
The incident occurred shortly after 11:00 am when the West Orange Fire Department responded to reports of a fire at a residence on Liberty Street.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a small fire in the kitchen area accompanied by heavy smoke throughout the home.
Despite their efforts, three unresponsive victims were found and removed from the residence.
First responders rendered aid, but tragically, all three were pronounced dead at the scene.
The identities of the victims are being withheld pending formal identification and notification of next of kin.
The cause and origin of the fire are currently under investigation by detectives from the Prosecutor’s Crime Scene Investigations Bureau and the West Orange Police Department.
The cause and manner of death will be determined by autopsies conducted by the NJ Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
