A fire that killed three children and injured four others is under investigation in Union City
According to a statement released by the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office, shortly before 9:00 a.m., officials in Union City received a report of a fire on 25th Street in Union City.
Officials say first responders arrived to the area and found that there were victims trapped in the three-story residence at 416 25th Street.
Rescue efforts were made as firefighters from North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue, the Jersey City Fire Department and the Hoboken Fire Department fought the blaze officials said.
Officials confirmed seven injuries in the fire including three fatalities.
Initially a two-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl were pronounced dead.
This evening one of the victims, a seven-year-old boy who was in critical condition, has died officials said.
Two other children are in critical condition and an adult female is in critical condition and an adult male is in stable condition.
The victims were transported by Emergency Medical Services to multiple hospitals including: Christ Hospital, Jersey City Medical Center, Hoboken University Hospital, St. Barnabas Medical Center and Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia.
Authorities say additionally, eight firefighters were transported by EMS to area hospitals where they were treated for various minor injuries.
A preliminary investigation has determined that the fire began at 416 25th Street. A building located at 414 25th Street also sustained damage from the fire. The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is pending.
Agencies responding to the fire were the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor, Union City Police Department, North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, Jersey City Fire Department, Hoboken Fire Department, Jersey City Office of Emergency Management, Union City Office of Emergency Management, the NJ State Fire Marshals Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The Prosecutor’s Homicide Unit and the Union City Police Department are actively investigating this incident with assistance from the NJ State Fire Marshals Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office at 201-915-1345 or leave an anonymous tip on the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office website at http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/.
All information will be kept confidential.