Woman Dies in Toms River Apartment Fire; Blaze Ruled Accidental
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October 24, 2026Woman Dies in Toms River Apartment Fire; Blaze Ruled Accidental
Woman Dies in Toms River Apartment Fire; Blaze Ruled Accidental
TOMS RIVER, NJ — A woman died after a fire broke out inside a Toms River apartment late Friday night, with investigators determining that the blaze was accidental.
Toms River police and firefighters were called to the Highland Plaza Apartments on Highland Parkway at approximately 11:20 p.m. on October 23 following reports of a structure fire.
When emergency crews arrived, they found smoke coming from a second-floor apartment. Firefighters entered the unit and discovered a woman deceased on the living room floor.
Authorities have not released the woman's identity as they work to positively identify her and notify her family.
According to the investigation, the fire began on a couch along the east wall of the apartment's living room. Investigators determined that careless smoking caused the fire and ruled the blaze accidental.
The investigation involved the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Sheriff's Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Toms River Township Police Department and Toms River Township Bureau of Fire Prevention.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the woman's death remains under the direction of local and county authorities.
