Man and woman died in townhouse fire in West Orange

Two people were killed in a townhouse fire in West Orange, New Jersey early Tuesday morning, - ABC7 News writes.

The fire broke out around 12:30 a.m. Northfield Townhouses. Emergency responders swiftly transported a man and woman to the burn unit at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston, where they were later pronounced deceased.

The victims, a couple in their 80s, owned the residence. Eyewitnesses recount seeing the woman inside the home during the inferno. West Orange Fire Department Chief Anthony Vecchio noted, "There was a report from a neighbor that the woman was at the window and went back into the house unfortunately."

Firefighters battled fiercely against the flames, which had engulfed the basement, taking approximately 45 minutes to gain control. The basement's hazardous conditions were compounded by the presence of packed belongings, as the couple had been preparing to relocate in August.

One neighbor suffered from smoke inhalation but received prompt treatment at the scene by EMS personnel.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing. Meanwhile, the Red Cross mobilized to provide assistance to displaced residents residing in the three-story building.

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office has not released the identities of the deceased victims.