Deadly fire: 6-year-old killed in house fire in Bayonne, New Jersey

BAYONNE, New Jersey (WABC) — A six-year-old girl was killed in a fire that destroyed a Bayonne home overnight and left several families homeless.

The fire broke out at the house on Avenue C shortly after midnight on Monday.

Firefighters were informed that a person was trapped on the second floor, but due to the heavy flames and the collapse of the stairwell, they had to use ladders on the ground to find the young victim.

They eventually found the victim, who was deceased and later identified as 6-year-old Saniya Felton.

“Any loss of life in a fire is tragic, but when we see someone so young disappear from our community, it’s even more difficult,” said Bayonne Fire Chief Keith Weaver. “I also want to thank our brave firefighters for their excellent work in containing the fire to the original building.”

Four civilians and three firefighters were taken to hospital with minor injuries and have since been released.

The Red Cross is providing emergency assistance to seven people from three families to help with temporary housing, food, clothing and other immediate needs.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but no foul play is suspected.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the prosecutor's office at 201-915-1345.

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