Dramatic ladder rescue saves adults and children from third floor during Edison blaze
First reports of the fire at Valley Manor Apartments on Marina Drive came in before midnight.
More Stories
Adults and children were rescued by ladder during a fire at an apartment building in Edison overnight.
The fire broke out before midnight at the Valley Manor Apartments on Marina Drive.
The fire broke out around 11:13 p.m. at the Valley Manor Apartments on Marina Drive, according to officials.
Interview with Mayor Sam Joshi and Fire Chief Andrew Toth
Mayor Sam Joshi said more than a dozen people were trapped, with about 10 to 12 residents needing rescue.
Firefighters and police worked together to bring people down from upper floors, including from third-floor windows. “There were several rescues that took place,” Joshi said, adding crews responded quickly after reports of people trapped.
Flames started in a lower-level apartment and smoke filled the building, trapping residents inside. “One individual is now out of the hospital and is OK, but they were in trap due to the smoke,” Joshi said.
Fire Chief Andrew Toth said crews arrived as the fire was active and found people hanging out of windows. “Between the police and the fire working together, they rescued approximately 10 to 12 people,” Toth said.
About 36 firefighters responded to the scene. Officials say around 45-50 residents have been displaced, with some apartments not currently habitable due to damage and electrical issues.
A cat and some goldfish died in the fire.
Officials say the cause is not believed to be suspicious, but remains under investigation.
