Following a cargo ship fire in Newark overnight, authorities reported the deaths of two firefighters. Several police officers suffered injuries and were sent to nearby medical facilities, including University Hospital in Newark, for treatment.
Around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, a fire broke out in one of the cargo ships that were berthed in the port. On the boat, there are about 5,000 automobiles. Rufus Jackson, the fire chief for Newark, claimed that five to seven of those cars caught fire while being docked at Port Newark.
Akso Read: Port Newark fire: Multiple firefighters missing and unaccounted as large ship on fire | Watch Video
Jackson claimed that the 11th and 12th floors were rapidly affected by the fire. They made an effort to put out the fire, the two firefighters. He claims that the firefighters were forced back out of the area where the main fire was because of the high heat.
According to Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, firemen are still working inside the ship to put out the fire as of Thursday morning. He claims that assistance has come from fire departments all around the state.
“Today, I witnessed acts of bravery and camaraderie that are unmatched. We beg everyone to pray because it is a very, very, very traumatic experience for all of us in the city of Newark,” Baraka stated.
At this point, it is unknown how severely hurt the officers were.
Tweets have poured in from the New Jersey State PBA, members of the Port Authority PBA and local fire departments.
Edward Kelly, general president of the International Association of Firefighters, wrote on Twitter, “Please say a prayer for the safety of the Newark, NJ firefighters battling a difficult ship fire tonight in the Port of Newark.”
