2 dead in New Jersey fire: Mayor
NEW JERSEY (PIX11) – At least two people were killed in a fire in Passaic Sunday morning, according to Passaic Mayor Hector Lora.
The flames burst out Sunday morning on Spruce Street near Autumn Street. The two who died were husband and wife and parents, according to Lora.
Ricky Mejia said at first, he had no idea two of his neighbors were trapped. Sources identify the victims as Fred and Yvonne Edwards, an elderly couple and long-time residents of the community.
“There was a lot of smoke coming out of the roof and the window. We noticed it was a big smoke,” said Mejia.
Another neighbor told PIX11 she saw the hands of one of the victims pressing on one of the windows, trying to get out.
“Certainly, all resources went to search and rescue. We had reports of several people trapped and missing. Firefighter efforts were dedicated mainly to rescue of occupants,” said Chief Patrick Trentacost of the Passaic Fire Department.
Authorities said by the time fire crews could get in there, it was too late. The couple that lived inside the first floor apartment on Spruce street, were declared dead at the scene. Family members rushed there to learn the devastating news.
“Normally this is a very happy neighborhood. Everybody tries to get along. And this is very sad, very depressing,” said Mejia.
Fire crews were able to keep the fire from spreading to most of the other apartments before putting it out, but some adjacent homes were still evacuated out of extra caution. The family of the victims was too heartbroken to speak but the mayor of Passaic says the couple had plans to visit Sunday service at Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, but never made it there.
“We are trying to console the family, but we are in mourning. We are a community in mourning. We have lost the lives of two lifetime residents of Passaic. And as a city, we will come together to offer support,” said Lora.
There were no other injuries in the fire, and it remains under investigation.
Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered local news for years. She has been with PIX11 since 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter.
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