Union City Fire Kills Several Children; City Heartbroken: UPDATED

UNION CITY, NJ — A five-alarm fire killed at least three children and injured several civilians and firefighters in Union City on Friday, authorities said.

Union City officials said that as a result of the blaze, which took place around 9 a.m. on the 400-block of 25th Street, six people were injured, of which two were fatal: a five-year-old girl and two-year-old boy. In addition, eight firefighters were taken to the hospital and multiple firefighters received medical treatment at the scene.

On Friday evening, the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office announced that one of the injured children - a 7-year-old boy - passed away, raising the tragic death toll to three.

Prosecutors gave an updated injury report at 9:16 p.m. with a slightly different total than the one Union City officials provided:

"Seven people have been confirmed to be injured in the fire including three fatalities. Initially a two-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl were pronounced dead. This evening one of the victims, a seven-year-old boy who was in critical condition, has died. Two other children are in critical condition. An adult female is in critical condition and an adult male is in stable condition... Additionally, eight firefighters were transported by EMS to area hospitals where they were treated for various minor injuries."

According to prosecutors, a preliminary investigation determined that the fire began at 416 25th Street. A building located at 414 25th Street also sustained damage from the fire. The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is pending.

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 can 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/

Union City Mayor Brian Stack said that he and the city were "heartbroken."

“It is a very difficult day for Union City," Stack said. "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… Union City is a close-knit community and we will rally around these families and offer our continued love and support.”

City officials and the Red Cross are providing temporary assistance for the fire victims. Anyone wishing to provide support for the fire victims may do so through the Union City Fire Victims’ Fund. The Office of the Mayor will be collecting donations in the form of a check or money order.

Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Union City Fire Victims’ Fund and may be sent to: Union City Fire Victims’ Fund, City of Union City, Office of Mayor Brian P. Stack, 3715 Palisade Avenue, 3rd Floor, Union City, New Jersey 07087.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office released the following advisory on Friday afternoon:

“Avoid the area of 25th Street between Bergenline and New York avenues in Union City. Prosecutor's Office is on the scene with Union City Police and Emergency Services and North Hudson Regional Fire.”

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