Authorities in New Jersey are currently conducting a criminal investigation into the tragic deaths of a man and woman whose residence caught fire following a reported “massive explosion” by neighbors.
Officers responded to reports of a loud explosion and fire just after 2 a.m. Sunday in Sewell, New Jersey, according to Fox 29 Philadelphia.
Residents in the area recounted hearing a loud bang, described by Suzanne Pinto as shaking her entire house and prompting her to quickly check outside, only to witness the neighboring home engulfed in flames.
The exact cause of the fire is not yet determined. The Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office has classified the incident as a criminal case and plans to perform autopsies on the deceased individuals for further insights, according to local sources. Fortunately, no other injuries were reported.
A Ring camera captured the moment a house in Sewell, N.J., became engulfed in flames. (Fox 29 Philadelphia)
“Looked out the bedroom window, and the house next door was just full of flames,” Ralph said. “It’s a shock. It’s a shock. Who would have thought? You know, looking next door and there’s a house that was there, and now it’s gone. And the person in it is gone, too. And it’s devastating.”
Pinto said while she tried to check on her nearby neighbors to see if they were okay, she could tell that the residents inside the burning home couldn’t be saved, according to the outlet.
Nearby homes were damaged after residents reported a massive house explosion in New Jersey. (Fox 29 Philadelphia)
“We knew the house was in such a condition, no one could be rescued from that fire,” Pinto said.
“Just very tragic, very tragic,” Pinto added. “I see the guy every day. He has a dog. He walks up and down the street all day.”
