GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — One person was killed and several families were displaced Wednesday night after a fire tore through a mixed-use building on North Black Horse Pike in the Glendora section of Gloucester Township.
Key Points
- Fire broke out around 8:08 p.m. at 410 North Black Horse Pike
- One fatality confirmed; six residents displaced
- Multiple fire departments responded to control the blaze
Emergency crews respond to deadly fire
Officers and firefighters arrived on scene at approximately 8:08 p.m. to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the third floor of the structure, which housed two apartments and two businesses. Nearby homes were evacuated as a safety precaution.
Gloucester Township Glendora Fire Company Station 81 led the fire response with support from Chews Landing Fire Department Station 82, Blenheim Fire Co. Station 83, Blackwood Fire Company Station 84, Squad 88, as well as units from Runnemede and Somerdale. Emergency medical services from Inspira EMS and coordination from Camden County Office of Emergency Management and the NJ State Department of Transportation were also involved. Black Horse Pike was shut down in both directions while firefighters worked to control the blaze.
One fatality, multiple families displaced
Fire personnel discovered one deceased individual inside the building during a search. The victim has not been publicly identified. Two other families, totaling six residents, were displaced by the fire. They are receiving temporary shelter and assistance from family members.
“The building was home to two businesses and two apartments,” the department stated in its media release.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Camden County Fire Marshal, but authorities stated that the fire does not appear suspicious at this time.
Traffic disruptions, ongoing investigation
The fire prompted a full closure of Black Horse Pike in both directions, creating traffic delays as crews worked to secure the area. Officials did not give a timeline for reopening, and the site remains under investigation.
As of Thursday, no further information has been released regarding the identity of the deceased or the status of the businesses affected.