Newark firefighters killed during cargo ship fire

Two New Jersey firefighters were killed after they became trapped while battling a blaze aboard a barge docked at Port Newark, officials said.

The fire broke out Wednesday night on the Grande Costa D’Avorio around 9:30 p.m., near Corbin and Marsh Streets, Newark Fire Division Chief Rufus Jackson said at a news conference.

When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found the 10th floor of the cargo ship consumed in flames, which had also spread to the two floors above.

The barge was packed with 5,000 cars, several of which had also caught fire.

Firefighters raced to contain the blaze, but were “pushed back out” due to the extreme heat, Jackson said. Upon retreating, they realized two firefighters were missing. A search effort was immediately launched, with outside rescue companies from around the state offering their assistance.

Both firefighters were eventually found, but rescuers were not able to save their lives, according to Jackson. Their remains have been recovered.

“Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of two Newark firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy said in a statement. “This tragedy is a painful reminder of the dangers our firefighters face and their remarkable courage.”

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka echoed the sentiment and praised the courage displayed by everyone involved.

“I saw the kind of acts of bravery and camaraderie today that’s unparalleled and you know, it’s very, very, very traumatic for all of us here in the city of Newark,” Baraka said.

The mayor said the identities of the firefighters killed in the blaze would not be released until the families had been notified.

The Grande Costa D’Avorio, built in 2011, arrived from the Port of Baltimore several days earlier.

With News Wire Services