El fiscal del condado de Ocean, Bradley D.. Billhimer anunció que en agosto 1, 2023, aproximadamente a 12:30 pm., a structure fire with entrapment was reported on Buttonwood Drive in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township. A la llegada, emergency personnel discovered a fully engulfed two-story structure fire. Brenda Wright, 67, an occupant of the residence, was rescued from the rear of the structure. EM. Wright was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment of her injuries; she is listed in stable condition.
Reports indicated that there were four additional victims inside the structure. Attempts were made to rescue these victims, but the roof of the structure collapsed – forcing firefighters to evacuate.
“It is with great sadness that I must report the loss of Jennifer Wright, 39; Alaina Wright, 34; a 14 year-old female victim; and a four month-old infant, all of whom were occupants of the residence, and perished in the fire. This is an unspeakable tragedy, and our prayers are with the loved ones of these victims,” stated Prosecutor Billhimer.
A thorough and extensive investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office-Arson Unit, Oficina de detectives del Departamento de Policía de Lacey Township, Oficina del Jefe de Bomberos del Condado de Ocean, Oficina del Jefe de Bomberos del Estado de Nueva Jersey, y la Unidad de Investigación de la Escena del Crimen de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Ocean, revealed that the fire originated on the porch on the west side of the structure, y que el material para fumar desechado incorrectamente no puede eliminarse como causa del incendio.
“The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental,”, afirmó el fiscal Billhimer..
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office-Arson Unit, Unidad de Delitos de Alta Tecnología de la Oficina del Fiscal del Condado de Ocean, Oficina de detectives del Departamento de Policía de Lacey Township, Unidad de Investigación de la Escena del Crimen de la Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Ocean, Oficina del Jefe de Bomberos del Condado de Ocean, Oficina del Jefe de Bomberos del Estado de Nueva Jersey, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office for their collective and collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation.
Prosecutor Billhimer also extends his gratitude to all the neighbors, fire service personnel and emergency service personnel that responded in an effort to assist and suppress this fire.