By Andrew Martins, Managing Editor
Local and county investigators are trying to determine what caused a two-alarm fire that took the lives of three Hillsborough residents.
Hillsborough Fire Company No. 3 reported that a structural fire at the Hillsborough Garden Apartments, located at 43 Farm Road took place just before 11 p.m. last night.
According to a prepared statement from Mayor Frank DelCore’s office, half of the affected building’s 16 apartment units have been deemed uninhabitable.
“Hillsborough Township was deeply saddened by the tragedy that struck our community,” Mayor DelCore said in a press release. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with all the individuals impacted by this devastating event.”
Multiple fire companies from the surrounding area, including Montgomery Township, were called on to assist during the blaze.
Capt. Jack Bennett, a spokesman for the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office, confirmed that three individuals were killed in the fire. Their identities have not been released, as their next of kin have yet to be notified.
“We are awaiting autopsy results and identifications to be made by the State Medical Examiner,” he said. “This remains an ongoing investigation.”
Capt. Bennett said the situation is the subject of an ongoing investigation.