STAFFORD — A predawn house fire on Yeoman Road has claimed the life of a 92-year-old woman and left two others hospitalized, authorities said.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said police and fire crews were dispatched to the residence at approximately 1:20 a.m. on February 13, after reports of a structure fire with possible occupants trapped inside.
Emergency responders encountered heavy flames upon arrival. Two individuals were able to escape the burning home and were transported to area hospitals in Philadelphia. One was taken to the Temple University Burn Center and the other to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Both were reported in stable condition.
A third occupant, identified as Betty Matero, 92, was unable to exit the residence and died as a result of the blaze.
A joint investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, the Stafford Township Police Department Detective Bureau, the Stafford Township Fire Prevention Bureau, the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit determined the fire began along the southeast exterior wall of the home, inside an outdoor storage container.
Investigators concluded the blaze was accidental and likely caused by a malfunction involving lithium-ion batteries.
The Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy on February 13 and determined Matero died from smoke inhalation. Her death was ruled accidental.
Prosecutor Billhimer credited the multiple agencies involved for their coordinated response and thorough investigation.
