By Nicolas Fernandes
nj.com
LACEY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Four people died on Tuesday afternoon when a major house fire caused a roof to collapse, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.
The two-story home, located on Buttonwood Drive in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township, caught fire about 12:30 p.m., officials said. The house was “fully engulfed” in flames when firefighters arrived, authorities said.
A female occupant was rescued from the rear of the residence before the roof collapse occurred.
“This is an absolutely tragic situation,” Prosecutor Billhimer said. “Sadly, four of the occupants of the residence perished in this fire.”
The Prosecutor’s Office has not released the identities of the victims. The one surviving victim is being treated for her injuries at Community Medical Center.
“The township is deeply saddened by today’s tragic fire,” said Lacey Township Mayor Tim McDonald. “We pray for the family during their time of (grief). We thank all agencies who responded to the fire during this excessive heat.”
The cause of the fire is under investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies and the state Fire Marshal’s Office.
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