1 woman dead, 1 critically injured after fire causes house collapse in East Orange

EAST ORANGE, New Jesey (WABC) -- One woman was killed and another critically injured after flames tore through a house in New Jersey Sunday morning.

The fire broke out shortly after 5 a.m. at a home on Midland Avenue near Everett Street in East Orange, causing it to collapse.

The Essex County Prosecutor says the home's owner, 72-year-old Maureen Phillips, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Eight people were able to get out safely before the house collapsed.

Phillips' 38-year-old son was injured and is being treated.

In addition, a 52-year-old woman was injured and is hospitalized in critical condition, the prosecutor's office said.

A man and woman had to jump from a third floor window to escape the flames.

The fire, which started in the house's kitchen, was placed under control after about an hour.

Seven nearby homes were damaged by the fire, with the sidings of the homes melted.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The American Red Cross is assisting the family displaced by the fire.