By: Richard L. Smith
Newark firefighters battled a fast-moving early morning blaze that tore through a South Ward home Saturday, leaving at least one person dead and several others seriously injured.
Preliminary information indicates that just before 4 a.m., crews were dispatched to a residence in the 300 block of Schley Street after reports of a fire inside the home.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy flames engulfing the structure and immediately stretched multiple hose lines as residents reported that occupants were trapped inside.
Crews forced entry into the home and located around five individuals suffering from various injuries.
Two victims required CPR at the scene, and one of those individuals was confirmed pronounced dead.
As of the early stages of the incident, firefighters were still working to bring the blaze under control.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has been notified and is assisting with the investigation.
Authorities have not released additional details at this time.