By: Richard L. Smith
A devastating early-morning fire in Trenton claimed the lives of a 4-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl Wednesday after flames tore through a two-story home on Hewitt Street.
The fire broke out shortly after 4 a.m. in the area of 355 Hewitt Street, where firefighters encountered heavy flames and reports that people were trapped inside the residence.
Residents in the neighborhood reportedly tried to battle the growing flames with garden hoses while waiting for emergency crews to arrive. Despite their efforts, the fire quickly intensified and ripped through the building.
Fire crews immediately launched rescue and suppression operations. One child was initially removed from the home in cardiac arrest and transported to a hospital while unresponsive. A second occupant was later removed and also transported.
Authorities later confirmed that two children, a 4-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl, died as a result of the fire.
The intensity of the blaze forced commanders to eventually call a third alarm, bringing additional firefighters and equipment to the scene. Several firefighters were also transported to the hospital, with at least one reported to have suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The New Jersey Red Cross was called to assist residents affected by the fire.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control later Wednesday morning but remained at the scene extinguishing hot spots.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.