By: Richard L. Smith
Fire officials in Jersey City are investigating the cause of a deadly apartment fire that broke out Tuesday night, leaving one person dead.
According to fire officials, crews were dispatched around 8:45 p.m. to 11 College Drive following reports of a fire inside a residential building.
Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and visible flames coming from one of the apartments and immediately stretched multiple hose lines to attack the fire.
Officials said firefighters were advised that several residents inside the building were handicapped, prompting crews to proceed with extreme caution as they entered the structure.
Once inside the affected apartment, firefighters encountered what were described as hoarding conditions.
One individual was removed from the building, suffering from serious injuries, and was transported to an area hospital.
That person was later pronounced dead.
Fire crews were able to bring the blaze under control in under an hour and conducted a thorough search of the building for additional victims.
No other injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire remains under active and ongoing investigation by Jersey City fire officials.
