A Jersey City blaze that broke out at College Towers last night claimed one life, with five adults and two children also displaced, public safety spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
The Jersey City Fire Department responded to 11 College Drive at approximately 8:54 p.m.
“Upon arrival, firefighters observed a working fire within the 5th floor of the building. One victim was found unconscious inside the building,” noted Wallace-Scalcione.
“Firefighters removed the elderly victim and immediately proceeded to administer CPR. The victim was taken to a local hospital and pronounced deceased.”
She added that the American Red Cross responded to the scene with a warming truck to assist the seven people who are displaced, with Mayor James Solomon and Acting Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose also showing up at College Towers.
“My heart and condolences go out to the family of the victim of tonight’s fire. No words can ease the pain of this loss, but I know that all of Jersey City grieves with them,” Solomon said in a statement.
“I deeply appreciate the hard work of the Jersey City Fire Department tonight in quickly responding to the call and assisting everyone who is impacted. The city is working with everyone displaced by the fire to get them into a warm hotel until they are able to return home.”
During suppression activities, firefighters located an unresponsive woman, later identified as Maxine Sullivan, 85, of Jersey City. She was transported to Jersey City Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead shortly after 10 p.m., according to Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello.
This matter is under investigation by the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force and the Jersey City Fire Department. The fire does not appear to be suspicious at this time, authorities said.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with a comment from Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello.
