A fire at the College Towers apartment building in Jersey City on Wednesday night resulted in one death and displaced seven residents, according to city and county officials. The incident occurred at the residential complex located at 11 College Drive in the McGinley Square section of the city.
The victim was identified as 85-year-old Maxine Sullivan, who lived in the building. Emergency responders transported her to a local hospital, where she later died from injuries sustained during the fire.
- An apartment fire on the fifth floor of College Towers at 11 College Drive in Jersey City resulted in the death of 85-year-old resident Maxine Sullivan on Wednesday night.
- The Jersey City Fire Department responded to the scene at approximately 8:54 p.m., and Sullivan was pronounced dead at Jersey City Medical Center shortly after 10 p.m.
- The fire displaced five adults and two children, with the American Red Cross and city officials providing immediate assistance and temporary housing support.
Fire Response at Fifth-Floor Apartment
The Jersey City Fire Department was dispatched to the scene at approximately 8:54 p.m. after receiving reports of a fire inside the building. Firefighters arriving on the scene encountered a working fire on the fifth floor of the apartment complex.
Crews advanced into the building to locate the source of the fire and conduct search and rescue operations. Conditions inside the structure required firefighters to work through smoke while addressing the active fire.
Victim Located and Transported to Hospital
During the search of the fifth floor, firefighters found Maxine Sullivan unconscious inside the building. Fire personnel removed her from the apartment and initiated emergency medical care at the scene.
Sullivan was then transported to Jersey City Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead shortly after 10 p.m., according to the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office.
Residents Displaced by Fire and Smoke Conditions
The fire and resulting smoke conditions displaced five adults and two children from the building. Those residents were unable to return to their homes following the incident.
The American Red Cross responded to the scene with a warming truck to assist displaced residents and provide immediate support.
City Leadership Present During Emergency Response
City officials responded to the scene as emergency crews continued operations at the building. Mayor James Solomon and Acting Public Safety Director Anthony Ambrose arrived at College Towers during the response.
City officials coordinated with emergency personnel and support organizations to address resident needs following the fire.
Investigation Into Fire Cause Underway
The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force, along with the Jersey City Fire Department, is conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire. Authorities stated that the incident does not appear to be suspicious at this time.
Displaced residents are receiving temporary housing assistance from the city while investigators continue their work and assess the building for reentry.
