N.J. toddler dies after falling into grease pit

VINELAND, N.J. - Police say a 3-year-old boy has died after falling into a grease pit outside a southern New Jersey food market.

Authorities say the child fell into a 7-foot deep pit containing kitchen grease and food waste outside Cidra's Supermarket in Vineland shortly after 2 p.m. Tuesday.

Store employees tried to get him out, but were unable to find him. Vineland EMS Chief Al Lincks told The Press of Atlantic City that he and two firefighters were able to remove the boy after two to three minutes, but were not able to revive him.

"One of the other workers from the restaurant went down into the manhole trying to reach the child but was unsuccessful," Vineland Detective Lt. Matthew Finley said.

The child was pronounced dead shortly before 3 p.m.

His name was not released. Authorities said one of his parents works at the market.

Police Capt. Rudy Beu said the pit is usually covered by a manhole cover but was not at the time of the accident.

The investigation continues, but officials say it appears the toddler's death is nothing more than a tragic accident, CBS station KYW reports.