Fifth Child Dies as Union City Fire Investigation Continues

Fifth Child Dies as Union City Fire Investigation Continues


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  Raymond Worrall

PHONE: (201) 795-6400 Ext. 6737

EMAIL:  rworrall@hcpo.org

TWITTER: @HCPOProsecutor

WEB: hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org

DATE: July 17, 2018

FIFTH CHILD DIES AS UNION CITY FIRE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez released the following information:

The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire at 416 25th Street in Union City on July 13, 2018, that resulted in the deaths of five children is continuing. Last night, the fifth child, Shamira Lopez, age 4, was pronounced dead. On Friday, July 13, 2018, a five-year-old girl and two boys, ages two and seven, were pronounced dead and Sunday night, a 13-year-old boy was pronounced dead.

The names and ages of the children that died as a result of the fire are:

  • Mayli Wood, age 5.
  • Jason Gonzalez, age 2.
  • Christian Josue Mendez, age 7.
  • Jose Felipe Tejada, age 13.
  • Shamira Lopez, age 4.

Seven people were injured in the fire including the five fatalities. An adult female and an adult male are in stable condition. Additionally, eight firefighters were transported by Emergency Medical Services to area hospitals where they were treated for various minor injuries.

A preliminary investigation determined that the fire began at 416 25th Street. A residential building located at 414 25th Street also sustained damage from the fire. The investigation into the origin and cause of the fire is pending, but arson investigators have determined that the fire originated on the first floor of the three-story residence.

The Prosecutor’s Homicide Unit and the Union City Police Department are actively investigating this incident with assistance from the NJ State Fire Marshals Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office at 201-915-1345 or leave an anonymous tip on the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office website at http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/. All information will be kept confidential.