Rahway Man, 71, Killed In House Fire Wednesday

RAHWAY, NJ — A 71-year-old man was unable to get out of his house and was killed in a house fire in Rahway Wednesday night, according to the Rahway Police Department.

The man has been identified as Willie Brown, of Rahway, who lived in the home where the fire occurred. A relative who lived with him tried to save him, but was unable to, said police.

The fire broke out at 9:35 p.m. at a private home on the 800 block of East Hazelwood Avenue in Rahway. Rahway police received a 911 phone call of an active fire with a man trapped in a second-floor bathroom of the home.

Police made several attempts to get into the bathroom, which was locked, but were unable to do so due to the heavy smoke and fire conditions. A male relative who lived with Brown attempted to save him as well, but was unsuccessful, said police. That man was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and released.

Firefighters arrived on scene a short time later.

"Regrettably, the male, later identified as 71-year-old Willie Brown was discovered deceased in the bathroom," said Rahway Police.

Members of the Union County Arson Task Force are still investigating the origin and cause of the fire. No foul play is suspected at this time.

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