By: Richard L. Smith
A tragic house fire in Kearny early Friday morning claimed the lives of two residents, prompting an investigation by the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force and the Kearny Fire Department.
Firefighters were alerted to the blaze at 56 Hamilton Avenue shortly after midnight on December 6.
Upon arrival, crews encountered intense flames engulfing the single-family home.
During efforts to control the fire, responders discovered two individuals inside the residence with critical injuries.
Hudson County officials said Mr. Martin Wilson, 61, was rushed to University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 1:20 a.m.
Ms. Mary Beth Guenther, 58, was transported to Clara Maass Medical Center and succumbed to her injuries later that day at approximately noon.
According to initial findings, the fire began in the home's basement.
While the exact cause remains under investigation, authorities do not suspect foul play at this time.
The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force, alongside the Kearny Fire Department and Kearny Police Department, continues to examine the circumstances surrounding the fire. 
Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office at 201-915-1345.