2 firefighters killed while battling ship fire in Newark, NJ
Two firefighters were killed while battling a cargo ship fire at Port Newark, NJ. Derick Waller and Tom Negovan has the latest.
PORT NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- Two Newark firefighters were killed after they became trapped while fighting a fire on a ship docked at Port Newark Wednesday night.
The fire broke out around 9:30 p.m. at Export Street and Marsh Street in Newark.
Newark Firefighters were dispatched to the location following a report of multiple vehicles on fire on a ship at Port Newark.
The fire started on the 10th deck as crew members and local stevedores were moving cars, vans and trucks.
Upon arrival, firefighters located the fire, which broke out in five to seven cars and spread to the 11th and 12th floors of the ship, named the Grande Costa D'Avorio.
"Members made an attempt to extinguish the fire but got pushed back by the intense heat. Two firefighters were lost while conducting this action of backing out of the structure," Newark Fire Chief Rufus Jackson said.
The unidentified firefighters were eventually located inside the large ship and pronounced dead.
Steven McGill, Former Jersey City Fire Chief explained the situation:
"We lost two firefighters today," said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka at the scene. "A tragedy for us in the city of Newark and tragic for all firefighters who know what it means to go in a burning structure in a danger that you are going to have to experience when you do so."
A number of firefighters were injured while battling the flames.
They were transported to University Hospital in Newark for treatment.
The ship was carrying thousands of vehicles, which saw firefighters battling the blaze well into the early morning hours.
No electric cars or hazardous cargo were on the ship. The ship is not spilling fuel or in danger of sinking.
This ship generally operates between the U.S. and West Africa. It carries more than 1,200 new and used vehicles and 157 containers.
"There are about 5,000 cars on the boat, just to give you a perspective. This is a very huge structure that these guys had to breach. In the process we had two calls for maydays," Baraka said.
Governor Phil Murphy released a statement saying: "Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of two Newark firefighters, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Tammy and I extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones, and we pray that those injured have a full and speedy recovery. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the dangers our firefighters face and their remarkable courage."
The Grimaldi Group also released a statement saying, "The Italian-flag vessel was completing the loading operations of various rolling units (cars, vans, trucks) when the fire started at deck n 10 which was attended by local stevedores and crew members. The crew of the vessel immediately activated the on-board fire suppression procedures while the local firefighting service were alerted, and their prompt response played a crucial role in containing and bringing the fire under control. Sadly, during the firefighting operations, Grimaldi Deep Sea were informed that two firefighters lost their lives. All Company's thoughts, prayers and sympathies are with their families and team currently. At this time, it is not known how the fire started but the Company will undertake a full investigation in close cooperation with all relevant authorities."
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The fire after they became trapped while fighting a fire on
The fire broke out in five to seven cars on the 11th and 12th floors of a ship that was carrying about 5,000 vehicles.
Source: WABC-TV
