Investigation underway after girls, ages 6 and 8, killed in house fire in Newark, New Jersey
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- A house fire claimed the lives of two little girls in Newark overnight, officials confirmed on Sunday.
The 911 call came in around midnight for reports of a fire on Eckert Avenue.
Upon arrival, detectives found a 6-year-old girl and 8-year-old girl lying on the ground with their bodies severely burned. First responders attempted to resuscitate them, but the girls were subsequently pronounced dead at the scene.
Video shows first responders bringing someone out on a stretcher during the incident. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was also on scene consoling what appeared to be a visibly shaken firefighter, as other firefighters arrived and surrounded him for comfort.
Earlier the same evening, the family was celebrating a birthday inside the home - one of the victim's.
Officials say the girls were playing with fire near a couch in a hallway.
Neighbor Dalisa Anthony says she was worried about the number of people living on the second floor - she says there were at least ten.
"I called the mayor's office a few times - code enforcement a few times. The call was dropped," Anthony said.
A woman believed to be the mother of one if not both of the victims were confused - coming back to ask where she could find the girls.
"Everybody is trying to process the loss of two babies who have not had the opportunity to run the surface of life," added neighbor Shonda Simpson.
One neighbor who lives next door said she tried to help when she saw the girls being brought out.
"It was painful, it was shocking. They're babies, so who would not have remorse," the woman said.
Newark Public Schools Superintendent Roger León confirmed to Eyewitness News that the victims were students of the school district.
"We are profoundly heartbroken by the loss of two of our beloved students following this morning's tragic fire at 26 Eckert Avenue. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to their families during this unimaginable time of grief," León said.
León says that counselors will be available for those who need it and that the school district is also reaching out to assist other students and their families impacted by the fire.
As of Sunday morning, the Red Cross says it is assisting at least 15 people from seven families impacted by the fire. The nonprofit organization says it expects to provide aid to others who were not immediately available to meet with emergency response crews.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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