A fast-moving fire tore through part of an apartment building in Old Bridge late Monday night, sending five people to the hospital, displacing more than a dozen residents, and killing several pets.
The fire broke out around 9:20 p.m. in Building 3, affecting sections 317 and 320 of the Madison Arms Apartments on Rellim Drive, near Route 9. Flames spread quickly, overtaking the apartments within minutes. “These apartments were totally engulfed in ten minutes,” one resident commented on Facebook. Others described hearing screams as the fire intensified.
One man shared on Facebook that he, his wife, and several neighbors escaped. He said his wife had to be pulled from a window by rescuers. Neighbors suffered burns, and others experienced smoke inhalation. Emergency crews transported five people to nearby hospitals. A township police officer was treated for smoke inhalation and later released.
Firefighters acted quickly to contain the fire and stop it from spreading to other parts of the complex. While they were able to stop the fire from jumping to adjacent units, the damage to Building 3 was extensive. Sections of the structure collapsed, and debris littered the lawn by morning.
At least four cats died in the blaze. While some residents speculated on Facebook that a candle may have started the Old Bridge apartment fire, officials have not confirmed a cause. The investigation remains active.
The American Red Cross is assisting displaced residents with temporary shelter, food, clothing, and financial support. Authorities expect at least 18 people will need aid as they recover from the fire’s aftermath.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.