Newark Public Safety Director Brian A. O’Hara has confirmed that firefighters have located the body of a 7-year-old boy on the third floor of a building during an early morning fire.

The fire started around 4:50 a.m. at the three-story residence at 65 Astor St.

According to officials, the child’s father escaped the home through the front door and attempted to re-enter via the roof of 67 Astor St. He was removed from the roof by firefighters via ground ladder. 

The fire extended to two adjacent residences at 63 and 67 Astor St.

“I heard a small little explosion, and it was unusual because it was unlike any explosion I’ve encountered,” says neighbor Andre Heeburn. “So, I looked out the window and I noticed there was smoke coming out of the window.”

The building at 65 Astor St. was occupied by two adults and three children who were transported to University Hospital for treatment. The home at 63 Astor St. experienced minor fire damage through the adjoining wall.

Officials say three families have been affected, with three adults and four children being relocated.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.