JACKSON – A fire destroyed a home on Lehigh Boulevard, resulting in one dead and one injured, according to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.
On April 1 at approximately 8:45 p.m., the Jackson Township Police Department and Jackson Township Fire Department responded to a two-story home. When police arrived at the scene, the house was fully engulfed by flames. Additional support from surrounding towns was requested to assist the firefighters.
Jackson Township Police Chief Matthew Kunz told Jersey Shore Online that an elderly woman was found dead at the scene. According to a press release, firefighters found the 82-year-old’s body in the downstairs portion of the residence.
Kunz also confirmed that one victim was seen jumping from the second floor to escape the fire. The victim sustained minor injuries.
A Jackson Township Police Officer was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. A second Jackson Township Police Officer was transported to Monmouth Medical Center-Southern Campus in Lakewood and treated for minor injuries, according to police.
At this time, the cause of the fire is unknown and remains under investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit – Arson Squad, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Jackson Township Fire Bureau, and Jackson Township Police Department.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledged the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Jackson Township Police Department, Jackson Township Fire Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Road Department, and Ocean County Regional Urban Search Team, for their combined and cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation.
Thanks to the Lakewood Scoop for the use of the photos.
