Toll of Commuting
News12 New York
Where to Watch
Download the App
Local
Crime
Weather
beWell
The East End
Crime Files

Prosecutors: 2 young girls killed in fire at multifamily home in Newark

It happened around midnight at 26 Eckert Ave. Flames and smoke could be seen pouring out of the home.

Amanda Eustice

Oct 20, 2024, 5:20 PM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

A fire inside a multifamily home in Newark killed two young girls and displaced 15 people, officials say.

It happened around midnight at 26 Eckert Ave. Flames and smoke could be seen pouring out of the home.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office says two girls, aged 6 and 8 years old, were found unresponsive with “their bodies severely burned.” They were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Red Cross says they are helping the displaced seven families with clothing, food and shelter.

News 12 Reporter Amanda Eustice's Sunday afternoon on the fatal Newark fire.

Newark Public Schools Superintendent Roger Leon released a statement which reads:

"We are profoundly heartbroken by the loss of two of our beloved students following this morning's tragic fire at 26 Eckert Avenue. Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to their families during this unimaginable time of grief. To support our school communities, counselors from the district Crisis Team will be available for students and staff. We are also reaching out to assist the other students and their families who have been displaced by the fire. Our hearts go out to the entire community, particularly to the families of those affected. This is a moment for all of us to come together, offer compassion, and extend our support in any way we can."

The Newark school district superintendent says counselors will be available for students and staff. The district is reaching out to assist the other students and their families who have been displaced by the fire.

It is still unclear exactly how many people were recused from the home and if there were any other injuries.

Officials have not yet confirmed how the fire began.

More Stories

Top Stories

00:23
4092026WHITEPLAINSSEXASSAULT_2026-04-09-05-39-44

20‑year‑old woman sexually assaulted at City Center in White Plains, police make arrest

01:25
the day today HV

Temps will swing from a frosty start towards a milder finish today

01:43
482026WC12bus_2026-04-08-12-23-56

Suspect charged in violent beating of MTA bus driver in Yonkers

00:20
4092026SPRINGVALLEYCRASH_2026-04-09-05-42-47

Pedestrian seriously injured after car crashes into Spring Valley building

01:30
blaise new windsor shooting

1 dead, suspect in custody after shooting in New Windsor

00:26
4092026MEETCHILDFORSEX_2026-04-09-05-37-31

Upstate man facing federal charges for trying to meet teen for sex in Orange County

01:43
0408mtvernonpoliceofficer_2026-04-08-22-15-36

Mount Vernon police officer accused of trying to steal $800K check

rex vics

Suffolk DA details how 'Gilgo Beach serial killer' Rex Heuermann lured his victims to their deaths

02:47
LI 5PM WED_RexNuts&Bolts_ajc_2026-04-08-17-08-10

‘Sadistic, soulless, murderous monster.’ 'Gilgo Beach' serial killer Rex Heuermann pleads guilty to 8 killings on Long Island ending decadelong case

01:40
Hugo Soto-Diaz

Ring footage captures police response to fatal dispute in Rye Brook home

01:43
MTWCIllegalDumping0408_2026-04-08-17-36-28

Frustrations grow as piles of trash accumulate in Yonkers park

01:24
0408yonkersapttrash_2026-04-08-17-46-25

Tenants at Yonkers apartment building beg for regular trash room maintenance

00:25
Screenshot 2026-04-08 082139

Police: Speed may be to blame for crash that injured three teens in Woodbury

14:29
rex still

LIVE COVERAGE: Rex Heuermann pleads guilty to Gilgo Beach serial killings, admits responsibility to eighth slaying

01:36
RTWCHVYonkersBusDriverAttackedJGillis5pm_2026-04-06-17-20-40

Violent attack sends MTA bus driver to hospital after Yonkers street incident

01:51
Screenshot 2026-04-08 070100

Mysterious boom shakes Yonkers neighborhood as police add patrols

00:24
482026WCdog_2026-04-08-07-15-18

Beloved Yonkers police bloodhound who aided rescues and cases has died

01:38
Screenshot 2026-04-08 130725

“Becky Shaw” opens on Broadway with dark comedy and sharp social twists

00:22
LIBAGFEES408_2026-04-08-05-33-06

Delta, Southwest join airlines raising checked bag fees amid high fuel prices

01:40
WC 10P TUES_IBMFoloBreakIns_ajc_2026-04-07-22-05-54

State police warn of dangers as trespassing surges at abandoned IBM campus in Somers

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices