Body Found In Basement After Fire At Union County Home

RAHWAY, NJ — A body was found in the basement of a home that was on fire Tuesday night at 550 West Scott Ave., the City of Rahway said.

Officials responded at around 8:45 p.m. for a report of smoke at the home. First crews found heavy smoke and fire leaving the back of the home and were made aware that a person was missing.

Responders were met with heavy fire on the first floor and in the basement, along with rapidly deteriorating conditions throughout the house.

A search and rescue operation ensued during an aggressive interior attack.

The situation was then escalated to a three-alarm fire and crews were evacuated from the home due to the risk of a collapse.

An unidentified person's body was later found in the basement, authorities said.

Three firefighters were also taken to the hospital with minor injuries and released.

"We are praying for a quick recovery for our firefighters injured during the call," said Mayor Raymond Giacobbe, "We ask the community to please keep the victim's family and our first responders in your thoughts."

The situation was deemed under control, and responders cleared the scene at around 3 a.m. on Wednesday.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Rahway Fire personnel were assisted by members of the Rahway Public Works team, Rahway EMS, and crews from Linden, Roselle, Cranford, Clark, Elizabeth, Garwood, and Westfield. Union County EMS and Fire Mutual Aid Coordinators also aided in the operation.

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