Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on Friday, the Toms River Township Police and multiple fire departments responded to a residence in the Silverton section of Toms River, for a report of a structure fire.
Ocean County officials say, upon the arrival of emergency personnel, the structure was fully engulfed with the fire spreading into the four surrounding residences.
Emergency service personnel determined that the structure was occupied by two adults and three children at the time of the fire.
It was further determined that a male and three children evacuated the residence, however one female remained inside.
Rescue efforts were attempted by police and fire personnel, but were unsuccessful. After the fire was extinguished, a female body was discovered inside the residence.
A Toms River Township Police Officer was transported to Community Medical Center and treated for smoke inhalation.
“This is an ongoing investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau and Ocean County Sherriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
We are not releasing the name of deceased until proper notifications are made. This is a sad day for everyone involved,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
IMAGE CREDIT: Silverton Volunteer Fire Department