Newark – Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, and East Orange Public Safety Director Domingos Saldida announced today that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, with assistance from East Orange Police and Fire Departments, is investigating a fatal fire that resulted in the death of David C. Swiney, 53, of East Orange.
The preliminary investigation indicates that a fire broke out just before 4 p.m. yesterday at 41 Wayne Avenue, a 2 ½ story wood-frame home. Three people were in the house.
Police say two were able to escape but Swiney, who was blind, had to be removed from the building by firefighters. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation is active and ongoing, but the preliminary indication is that the fire was started accidentally.