A devastating early-morning fire tore through a century-old synagogue in Rutherford, New Jersey, leaving nothing but charred remains as the congregation’s rabbi and his family of six narrowly escaped harm.
Authorities say the blaze erupted shortly before 3 a.m. Friday at Congregation Beth El, located in a quiet residential section of town. By the time firefighters reached the scene, flames had already consumed much of the structure, with parts of the roof and walls beginning to collapse.
Multiple fire companies from neighboring municipalities rushed to assist, working from ladders to douse the inferno as thick plumes of smoke drifted into the night sky. Despite their efforts, Rutherford Police Chief John R. Russo confirmed the building was completely destroyed within the first hour. Russo confirmed that no injuries were reported.
Local resident Frank Wilson told PIX11 he recalled being jolted awake by sirens and seeing the family running for safety. “…they came out just with their lives,” he told reporters.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Officials have not yet determined whether the blaze was accidental or suspicious.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.