2 killed in Union, NJ house fire

Sunday, October 1, 2023
UNION, New Jersey (WABC) -- Two people were killed in a fire at a two-family house in Union Sunday.

The fire broke out around 5:30 a.m. on the 900 block of Grandview Avenue.

The top floor of the house sustained extensive damage. According to authorities, both the roof and second floor collapsed.

Firefighters worked desperately to save the two people trapped on the upper floor of the home, but they perished in the flames.

"We started making entry right after, searched through the windows to try and make a rescue of the bodies," said Union Fire Chief Greg Ricciardi. "But due to the high heat of the fire and the conditions... we were unable to do so."

Residents say the firefight started before first responders arrived.

"They were trying to put the fire out with a garden hose," a resident said.

A man who lived on the bottom floor of the home suffered injuries as well. The extent of his injuries was not immediately made clear.
Neighborhood residents say they felt their houses shake after a sound like an explosion rung out.

"I heard the bang, that's what woke me up," said one neighbor.

No other injuries have been reported. The identities of the two people killed in the fire have not yet been released.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Authorities are using drones to canvas what remains of the house.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

ALSO READ | 2 popular spots in Queens sinking faster than rest of NYC, study finds
2 popular spots in Queens sinking faster than rest of NYC: study


----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More New Jersey news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube

Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News

Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.