STAFFORD — A 92-year-old woman died and two other residents were left in critical condition after an early morning house fire in Stafford Township, authorities said.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said police and fire crews were dispatched to a home on Yeoman Road at approximately 1:20 a.m. on February 13, following reports of a structure fire with possible entrapment.
First responders encountered heavy flames upon arrival. An initial investigation determined that two occupants managed to escape the burning residence. Both were transported to Philadelphia hospitals for treatment of severe injuries.
One victim was taken to Temple University Burn Center, while the second was transported to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Authorities said both individuals remain in critical condition.
A third resident, identified as a 92-year-old woman, was unable to exit the home and died as a result of injuries sustained in the fire.
The cause and origin of the blaze remain under investigation. The inquiry is being conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Stafford Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Stafford Township Fire Prevention Bureau, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
No additional information was released as of Friday afternoon.
