By: Richard L. Smith
A devastating three-alarm fire destroyed a home in South Bound Brook early Friday morning, leaving at least two people injured and the residence a total loss.
The blaze broke out shortly before 4 a.m. at a home on Howard Avenue. Initial reports from fire officials indicated the structure was fully involved with flames and that occupants may have been trapped inside.
Firefighters arriving at the scene encountered heavy fire conditions and stretched multiple hose lines in an aggressive effort to bring the blaze under control.
During the incident, the home reportedly collapsed as crews battled the flames.
One of the victims, believed to be a senior citizen, was rushed to a nearby hospital. The extent of that person’s injuries was not immediately available.
A second individual is reportedly unaccounted for.
Mutual aid companies responded to assist as firefighters worked through the early morning hours to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading to neighboring properties.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Additional information is expected to be released by authorities as the investigation continues.