South Plainfield House Fire Leaves One Dead, Multiple Injured

A fatal house fire on Cedarbrook Avenue claimed the life of one man and injured five others early Wednesday morning. Emergency crews arrived at the South Plainfield residence just before 5 a.m. to find the home engulfed in flames. 

During a search of the property, responders located an unresponsive man on the upper floor, where he was declared dead by medical personnel.

The tragedy could have been even more extensive, as two other adults living in the home were forced to flee the spreading fire. Both survivors were treated for minor injuries. Three first responders needed medical attention for minor injuries before being released later that day.

While the local community mourns the loss, the Middlesex County Regional Medical Examiner’s Office is working to clarify the exact cause of death through an upcoming autopsy. Investigators from both the county and state fire marshal offices spent the morning combing through the charred remains of the structure. 

Although the investigation is still in its early stages, detectives noted that they have found no evidence of foul play or suspicious activity surrounding the start of the blaze.

Local police and county prosecutors are keeping the investigation open and are asking for the public’s help. 

They encourage anyone who might have seen something or has relevant information to reach out to Detective Christopher Blath of the South Plainfield Police Department at (908) 755-0700 or Detective Javier Morillo of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-8843.