The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force is probing a fire that killed a 98-year-old Bayonne woman on Sunday, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez announced.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The initial investigation determined that the Sunday evening fire claimed the life of Maria Teti, 98, and while it does not appear suspicious at this time, the cause remains under investigation, Suarez said in a statement.
On Sunday, shortly after 6:15 p.m. the Bayonne Fire Department responded to a report of fire at 18 E. 16th Street.
Upon arrival, members of the Bayonne Fire Department located and extinguished the fire in the home, which was brought under control at 7:01 p.m.
While containing the fire, the firefighters rescued two adult females and later located a deceased female with apparent injuries caused by the fire.
The victim, who was later identified as Teti, was pronounced dead at the Bayonne Medical Center at 6:42 pm. The cause and manner of death are pending with the Regional Medical Examiner’s Office.
The preliminary investigation has determined that the origin of the fire was the first floor living room.
The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force is actively investigating this case with assistance from the Bayonne Fire Department and the Bayonne Police Department.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Prosecutor’s Office at 201-915-1345 or to leave a tip at: http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/.
All information will be kept confidential.
