Union City apartment building's roof collapses in fire, displacing over 30 residents

All families made it out of the apartment building and the neighboring building, according to neighbors.

Lanette Espy and Jim Murdoch

Apr 14, 2023, 10:35 AM

Updated 559 days ago

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More than 30 people have been displaced after an apartment building caught fire Friday morning in Union City, leading the building's roof to collapse.
One woman was taken to the hospital with burns and two firefighters suffered minor injuries, News 12 New Jersey was told. Over 30 residents have been displaced.
All families made it out of the three-story apartment building at the intersection of Kerrigan Avenue and 19th Street as well as the neighboring building, according to neighbors. Union City Mayor Brian Stack says some pets died in the fire.
Streets near the area of the fire, including JFK Boulevard, are closed. A day care and a church are across the street from the apartment building.
“The first thing I thought of was to get the kids out and run, that’s what we did. I didn’t think about anything material, it doesn’t matter. What matters is our health,” said a woman who lives in the area.
Thick, heavy flames engulfed the building and the roof collapsed. Stack says fire crews arrived on the scene immediately and were able to contain the fire.
The Red Cross says it helped assist 52 people in 11 families with emergency assistance for temporary shelter, food and clothing.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown.
This is the second fire in three days to impact Union City. On Wednesday, another fire just a few blocks away displaced 20 people.