3rd child dies following house fire; victims aged 2, 5, 7

UNION CITY, N.J. – A third child has died following a house fire that earlier claimed the lives of two youngsters and injured several other occupants and firefighters.

Officials had said earlier that Friday morning’s fire at a three-story home in Union City killed a 2-year-old boy and a 5-year-old girl. The Hudson County prosecutor’s office said Friday night that a critically injured 7-year-old boy had died.

Prosecutor Esther Suarez said two other children and a woman were in critical condition. A man was listed in stable condition.

Eight firefighters were treated at hospitals, mostly for smoke inhalation or heat-related issues.

The Red Cross reported helping 30 people from eight families.

A neighbouring building was damaged by the fire, the origin and cause of which remain under investigation.

Mayor Brian Stack, who said he was “heartbroken” by the tragedy, announced a GoFundMe page to help the fire victims. He said donations also could be sent to the city’s fire victims’ fund.

“Union City is a close-knit community, and we will rally around these families and offer our continued love and support,” he said.

Police on their Facebook page hailed the efforts of good Samaritans “who risked their own well-being and attempted to help their fellow neighbours who were in need.”