Fire Ravages NJ Homes, Resulting in the Death of Two Children

Fire Ravages Millville Homes, Resulting in the Death of Two Children

Fire Ravages NJ Homes, Resulting in the Death of Two Children

A New Jersey state lawmaker confirmed on Thursday that two children, who had been missing following a fire that ravaged several homes in Millville on Wednesday night, have died.

Firefighters responded to the scene on the 300 block of South 4th Street at approximately 11 p.m. Wednesday, where they discovered two residences fully ablaze, according to Millville Fire Chief John Wettstein, as reported by NJ Advance Media.

Reports indicated that two girls, aged 8 and 10, were missing as firefighters conducted their search through the smoldering debris on Thursday morning.

In a statement issued on Thursday afternoon, Senator Michael Testa (NJ-1) referred to the fire as "an unimaginable tragedy" and confirmed the deaths of both girls.

"My heart is broken for the family who lost two young daughters in this devastating fire, and my prayers are with them and everyone affected," Testa said. "This is a loss that shakes our entire community to the core.”

The girls names according to family members are Valery and Sammy. They were 9 and 13 years old.

Following the outbreak of the fire, it extended to two adjacent structures. According to CBS New Jersey, a total of six residences were affected by the flames, including two duplexes.

Firefighters reportedly spent almost six hours working to bring the fire under control. Footage from 6ABC depicted crews engaged in combat against the fierce blaze.

Reports indicate that a gas line broke during the fire, contributing to its spread from one residence to another.

"Until South Jersey Gas arrived and managed to shut off the gas supply to all the homes, we were dealing with a gas-fueled fire, which complicated the situation," Wettstein stated.

One individual was hospitalized due to injuries, and a total of 23 people were displaced. The American Red Cross is providing support to the affected families, according to reports.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.