A fast-moving fire killed five people including two children in Newark, New Jersey Friday.
Newark Fire Capt. John Brown says the three-alarm blaze on Brookdale Avenue was reported around 1:41 a.m.
Brown says initially there was a problem with water pressure and the flames quickly spread to three other buildings.
Brown says the victims were in an apartment on the top floor of a three-story building.
Two siblings, 2-year-old Javena Joseph and 3-year-old Javens Joseph, were found dead in a third-floor apartment. Their parents and two other children were able to escape.
44-year-old Shelton Freeman was found in another third-floor apartment, along with 5-year-old Angela Williams and 17-year-old Nazir Blackstone.
The cause of the fire is under investigation but people in the neighborhood say the vacant house was used by people to smoke crack.
"My deep condolences go out to the victims and their families who have suffered because of this terrible fire. This is a tragic loss for all those affected and our city as a whole. As we continue to work on and investigate this incident, we are also doing everything we can to support the families who have been so severely impacted," said Mayor Cory Booker said in a statement.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:44:14 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:55:01 GMT
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 5:21 PM EDT2013-05-21 21:21:42 GMT
Revel is bankrupt no more. The struggling Atlantic City casino formally emerged from bankruptcy court on Tuesday, just 13 months after it opened with sky-high hopes.
Revel is bankrupt no more. The struggling Atlantic City casino formally emerged from bankruptcy court on Tuesday, just 13 months after it opened with sky-high hopes.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:33 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:33:20 GMT
A New Jersey priest who resigned after admitting he worked unsupervised with kids despite a legal agreement that barred him from doing so is headed to court.
A New Jersey priest who resigned after admitting he worked unsupervised with kids despite a legal agreement that barred him from doing so is headed to court.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:42:18 GMT
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
