By: Richard L. Smith
A tragic early-morning fire in Jersey City has left one man dead and three others, including two young children, in critical condition, according to information released by Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez.
The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force and the Jersey City Fire Department are investigating the blaze, which broke out around 3 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at a three-story building located at 296 Summit Avenue.
When firefighters arrived, they were met with heavy smoke pouring from the building.
Inside a second-floor apartment, they discovered four individuals with severe injuries.
One of the victims, identified as Lahcen Elmguielle, 59, of Jersey City, was transported to Jersey City Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead before 8 a.m.
The three other victims — a 40-year-old woman and two young girls, ages 8 and 6 — remain in critical condition at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.
A fifth person, who lived on the third floor, was treated for minor injuries at Jersey City Medical Center and later released. Additionally, four firefighters suffered non-life-threatening injuries while battling the flames.
Authorities say the cause of the fire is still under investigation, though foul play is not suspected at this time.