Jersey City Fatal Fire Investigation

Thursday, May 1, 2025, 6:30 P.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,

JERSEY CITY, NJ.- A 59-year-old man tragically perished, and four others were injured, including two young children, in an early Thursday morning apartment fire in Jersey City, New Jersey.

     According to Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez, on Thursday, May 1, 2025, shortly after 3:00 a.m., the Jersey City Fire Department and the Jersey City Police Department responded to a 911 Emergency Call reporting a fire at 296 Summit Avenue in the City.

Upon Arrival, Firefighters Find Heavy Smoke And Multiple People Injured

     Upon arrival, First Responders found heavy smoke coming from a three-story building. During fire suppression, Firefighters discovered four individuals with serious injuries inside a second-floor apartment unit. One of the individuals, later identified as Lahcen Elmguielle, 59, of Jersey City, was immediately transported to Jersey City Medical Center, where, despite life-saving efforts, Mr. Elmguielle succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased shortly before 8:00 a.m.

     A 40-year-old woman and two young girls, an 8-year-old and a 6-year-old, remain in critical condition at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. 

     A fifth person, a third-floor resident, was treated and released from Jersey City Medical Center. Four Firefighters were also treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

     The fire remains under investigation by the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force and the Jersey City Fire Department. Authorities have reported that the fire does not appear to be suspicious at this time.