Fatal fire in Union City, New Jersey, investigated for arson, Hudson County prosecutor says
A fire in Union City, New Jersey, is being investigated for arson after it left a 74-year-old woman dead and displaced nearly two dozen other people, the Hudson County prosecutor said.
The fire broke out in the area of Bergen Turnpike and 38th Street, where officials said multiple properties were on fire when first responders arrived at around 3:45 p.m. Saturday.
"We saw an explosion"
Video shows flames and thick black smoke billowing into the air.
"We saw an explosion, and then everything was all black smoke, all yellow smoke," resident Tracy Gerber said.
"The first thing we heard was a whole bunch of crackling and stuff, so I ran out of my room and I looked through the window," resident Christian Leon said. "There was just black smoke coming all the way up."
Bergen Turnpike and Grand Avenue were closed while firefighters battled the blaze. North Bergen Police later said the roads had been reopened.
The fire also caused power outages in parts of neighboring North Bergen and Weehawken Township, and PSE&G was working to restore service, officials said.
Woman found dead in burning building
Hudson County Prosecutor Wayne Mello said Sunday that the 74-year-old victim was found dead inside a residence at 3808 Bergen Turnpike while firefighters were still tackling the flames.
Wayne said a total of 22 people were displaced. The Red Cross had said it was helping at least 18 people with temporary lodging, food, clothing and other immediate needs.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.
The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force, North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, and the Union City Police Department are investigating, the county prosecutor said.
