5 Dead, Including 3 Children, in Paterson House Fire

UPDATE: A devastating house fire in Paterson, New Jersey, on Halloween night has claimed the lives of five individuals, including three children. The tragedy unfolded late Friday at approximately 9:56 p.m. at a residential structure located at 15 Emerson Ave.

Firefighters arrived to find a fierce blaze fueled by strong winds, rapidly spreading through the one-and-a-half-story building. Fire Chief Alex Alicea reported that the fire engulfed the second level, where the five victims—two adults and three children—were tragically discovered. The relationships among the deceased remain unclear as authorities continue their investigation into the incident.

As a result of this horrific event, a total of 11 people have been displaced. The Red Cross is on-site, providing immediate assistance to those affected. “Our disaster volunteers were at the scene and assisted three people from two families with emergency help, including temporary lodging, food, clothing, and other immediate needs,” the Red Cross stated. They expect to extend assistance to an additional four individuals later today.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with officials working diligently to uncover the details surrounding this heartbreaking event.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.