Woman, Child Killed In Early Morning House Fire In Florence, New Jersey
By Jericka Duncan And Al Novack
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A tragic fire Easter morning claims two lives in Burlington County.
As police officers arrived on scene at 322 West 2nd Street around 2:00 a.m. and they were able to observe heavy smoke coming from the Florence, New Jersey residence and were advised that at least two occupants were still trapped inside.
Two residents died in the fire; an 8-year-old girl, Kayla Macario and a 53-year-old woman, Darlene Weir. Both victims were on the second floor of the dwelling and were unable to escape the blaze.
Chelsea Donagan, age 23, was also injured and taken to a local hospital for treatment. A two year old and the mother of Kayla were able to escape the blaze.
All victims were transported to area trauma centers for treatment.
Neighbors say they could feel the heat of the flames and see them as they were coming out of every window.
"I grabbed the phone and called 911," said Ed Myatovich, a 12-year resident.
Myatovich, who lives across the street, says he tried to help the young woman who lives there, by breaking break down a door so she could get to her loved ones.
Cause and origin is not yet determined and pending further investigation.
The investigation is being conducted by the Florence Township Fire Investigation Unit, the Florence Township Fire Marshall, the Burlington County Fire Marshall's Office, and the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office.
