A birthday celebration in Newark turned tragic as two young girls lost their lives in a devastating house fire, raising questions about safety and building code compliance.
At a Glance
- Two girls, ages 6 and 8, died in a fire during a birthday party in Newark, NJ
- The blaze started on the second floor, reportedly due to children playing with fire
- Concerns about overcrowding and potential code violations have emerged
- At least 15 people were treated for burn wounds
- The Red Cross is assisting displaced residents
Tragic Fire Claims Young Lives
A multi-family home on Eckert Avenue in Newark, New Jersey, became the site of a heartbreaking tragedy when a fire erupted during a child’s birthday celebration. The blaze, which began on the second floor, quickly spread to the third floor, resulting in the deaths of two young girls, aged 6 and 8. Despite swift action by first responders, the girls were pronounced dead at the scene. The incident has left the community in shock and mourning.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the fire engulfed the building. People were seen running, screaming, and some even jumping from windows to escape the flames. The intensity of the fire caused windows on both the second and third floors to blow out, adding to the devastation.
BREAKING UPDATE: Newark house fire killed 2, prosecutors say. Rep. McIver says the victims were ‘young children.’https://t.co/JgqWx5EBTe
— News12NJ (@News12NJ) October 20, 2024
Safety Concerns and Code Violations
As investigators work to determine the exact cause of the fire, questions about building safety and code compliance have come to the forefront. Lynwood Duncan, a resident of the building, revealed that he had previously raised concerns about potential code violations with the landlord. Duncan noted that multiple families were living on the second floor, potentially contributing to overcrowding issues.
Another neighbor reported concerns about overcrowding on the second floor, claiming that previous attempts to report the issue to the mayor’s office had been unsuccessful. These revelations have sparked a debate about the enforcement of building codes and the need for stricter oversight to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Community Response and Investigation
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka described the incident as a “horrible experience” for both the firefighters and the community. The mayor’s presence at the scene throughout the night underscores the gravity of the situation and the city’s commitment to addressing the aftermath of this tragedy. “The firefighters were visibly shaken up,” Newark Mayor Ras Baraka told that media outlet. “Two children dead in a fire is a horrible experience. You could feel that in the air.”
The Red Cross has stepped in to assist at least a dozen people affected by the fire, providing temporary lodging, food, clothing, and other necessities. This support is crucial for those who have lost everything in the blaze.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Measures
As the investigation into the fire continues, authorities are focusing on reports that the girls were playing with fire near a couch in the hallway. The placement of furniture in the stairwell for the birthday party may have contributed to the fire hazard, highlighting the importance of maintaining clear exit paths in multi-family dwellings. “Witnesses told detectives there was a birthday party for one of the girls on the second floor of the residence,” prosecutors said. “Witnesses said the girls were playing with fire near a couch in the hallway.”
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for fire safety education, especially for children, and the importance of strict adherence to building codes. As the community mourns the loss of two young lives, there is a renewed call for increased vigilance in fire prevention and safety measures in residential buildings.