Incident Overview

The blaze erupted around 1:30 a.m. within a unit located on the 10th floor of the facility. Emergency responders arrived promptly and managed to contain the fire within 30 minutes.

Casualties and Response

The victims, an 88-year-old man and a 77-year-old woman, were discovered in the apartment where the fire originated. Additionally, two police officers were treated for smoke inhalation at a local hospital after responding to the scene.

The Red Cross was called to assist residents displaced from 17 units due to the incident.

Facility Details

This tragic event took place in a building operated by the North Bergen Housing Authority, which includes over 300 residential units for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. The structure was established in 1973.

Witness Accounts

A resident’s daughter expressed her alarm upon receiving a call from her mother, who lives on the 11th floor. “I was going to sleep, and my mom called me and said it was on fire,” she recounted. “I came here and everything was on fire. Everybody was crying; there was panic.”

Investigation Status

Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire. Although the inquiry is ongoing, preliminary reports suggest that foul play is unlikely.

The identities of the deceased individuals have not yet been disclosed.