According to a report fromABC7, an elderly woman was killed and dozens of residents were evacuated after a violent three-alarm fire struck a four-story apartment building in East Orange, New Jersey, just after 12:30 a.m. Friday.
The fire erupted in The Villa, located on Prospect Street, and was still burning more than eight hours later. The severity of the flames eventually caused parts of the building to collapse.
There were initial reports that two firefighters were transported to University Hospital in Newark for evaluation.
Heavy fire quickly spread through the structure and then up to the roof, sending a plume of dark smoke that was seen for miles around.
The office of East Orange Mayor Ted Green said the fire has forced 18 families to flee their homes.
A temporary shelter has been created at Edward T. Bowser, Sr. Elementary School, at 180 Lincoln Street, one block from the scene.
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