Fire truck racing to the emergency scene. File photo
Fire truck racing to the emergency scene. File Photo

Arson Investigation launched into cause of the fire that claimed two lives in Kearny

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1 min read
December 7, 2024

KEARNY, N.J. — Two people died in a fire that tore through a residence on Hamilton Avenue early Friday morning, according to Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez.

The fire broke out shortly after midnight at 56 Hamilton Avenue, with emergency responders finding heavy flames engulfing the home. During firefighting efforts, two victims were discovered inside with serious injuries.

Martin Wilson, 61, was transported to University Hospital in Newark, where he was pronounced dead at 1:20 a.m. Mary Beth Guenther, 58, was taken to Clara Maass Medical Center and succumbed to her injuries later that day, at approximately 12 p.m.

A preliminary investigation revealed the fire began in the basement of the home. Although the cause has not yet been determined, authorities do not currently suspect foul play. The incident is being investigated by the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force with support from the Kearny Fire Department and Kearny Police Department.

Anyone with information about the fire is urged to contact the Prosecutor’s Office at 201-915-1345.

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