Three people were hospitalized after a house fire caused extensive damage to a home on Merkling Street in Swedesboro, New Jersey, on Friday afternoon, Oct. 9. Two cats died in the blaze, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The fire broke out at approximately 3:15 p.m. in the Gloucester County community. Fire crews responded to the scene and encountered heavy flames coming from the home.
One person was trapped inside when the fire broke out and was rescued by two Woolwich firefighters. The individual suffered second-degree burns and was taken to a hospital. The person was reported to be in stable condition.
Two other residents were also hospitalized after suffering smoke inhalation.
The fire left significant damage to the property, particularly toward the back of the house. Emergency crews worked at the scene, spraying water over damaged sections of the building as they brought the situation under control.
The deaths of the two cats added to the loss caused by the fire. While the three injured residents received medical attention, investigators continued working to determine what started the blaze.
As of Saturday, Oct. 10, the cause of the fire had not been determined. No further details about the circumstances leading up to the incident had been released.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may become available as officials establish what happened.
