'Heartbroken:' 4 In Union City – 3 Children – Die In One Day

"Heartbroken"

That's how one New Jersey community described itself Saturday,, one day after four people died in the same day, three of whom were children.

Three children were killed and at least 14 people were injured in a Friday fire that trapped victims in a three-story residence, authorities said.

And late Friday, the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Homicide Unit responded to the area of 2nd Street and Manhattan Avenue in Union City on a report of a dead body. No additional information was available at press time.

Indeed, Union City was asking for support via GoFundMe just as the Red Cross continues to provide temporary assistance for the fire victims.

“I am heartbroken,” said Mayor Brian P. Stack. “It is a very difficult day for Union City. I continue to pray for the victims and their families and offer any resources I can to assist them. I am extremely thankful for the efforts of our first responders who gave their all under extremely difficult circumstances.”

The fire happened Friday before 9 a.m., when emergency responders discovered victims trapped in the three-story residence at 416 25th St., according to the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office.

Rescue efforts were made as firefighters from North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue, the Jersey City Fire Department and the Hoboken Fire Department fought the blaze, according to the HCPO.

As a result of the five-alarm blaze, six people were injured and three were killed, including a 5-year-old girl, a 2-year-old boy and a 7-year-old who succumbed to injuries at the hospital, according to Union City officials.

Additionally, eight firefighters were taken to the hospital and multiple firefighters received medical treatment at the scene.

A preliminary investigation has determined that the fire began at 416 25th St. A building located at 414 25th Street also sustained damage from the fire. The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire are pending.

“Anyone wishing to provide support for the fire victims may do so through the Union City Fire Victims’ Fund and the Go Fund Me page set up by the city,” said Stack. “Union City is a close-knit community and we will rally around these families and offer our continued love and support.”

The Prosecutor’s Homicide Unit and the Union City Police Department are actively investigating this incident with assistance from the NJ State Fire Marshals Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office at 201-915-1345 or leave an anonymous tip on the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office website at http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/. All information will be kept confidential.

Photo courtesy of GoFundMe, a promotional partner of Patch.