One Dead, Six Firefighters Injured In Fiery South Toms River Blaze

by Patricia A. Miller

Despite heroic efforts by multiple volunteer fire companies, one person died and six firefighters were injured in a fast-moving fire at a home on South Main Street in South Toms River this evening, authorities said.

Firefighters were unable to get to the victim, who was trapped in the basement of the ranch home at 96 South Main Street,  according to the Ocean County Police, Fire And EMS Facebook page.

The call came in around 6:30 p.m. South Toms River EMS, the Manitou Park Fire Co., the Pinewald Pioneer Fire Co. and the Bayville Volunteer Fire Company responded and found heavy fire throughout the home.

"While on scene, multiple firefighters sustained injuries in an attempt to rescue a trapped victim," the Facebook page states.

Multiple additional resources went to the scene due to the amount of injured firefighters. EMS crews who responded to the scene transported six firefighters to Community Medical Center for minor injuries.

Five of the six firefighters were released early this morning from Community Medical Center. One firefighter is being kept overnight as a precaution, authorities said.

Come back to Patch soon for more information.