2 NJ Sisters Killed In Massive Fire, Family Confirms

MILLVILLE, NJ — Two sisters, aged 11 and 13, died in a massive fire that tore through multiple homes in Millville last week, their family members confirmed.

The blaze began around 11 p.m. last Wednesday and burned into the early morning hours, affecting six homes (two of which were duplexes) and displacing 21 people. Both girls were originally unaccounted for, but officials confirmed they were found dead on Thursday.

Family members have identified the girls as 11-year-old Gissel Samanta Cardona Gomez and 13-year-old Valery Mariana Cardona Gomez.

Their father Jhon Rodriguez Hernandez told CBS Philadelphia that when the fire broke out, he and his girlfriend grabbed their 2-year-old twins and ran outside. He believed that Valery and Gissel were following behind when the duplex collapsed, trapping them inside.

"I'm still in shock," he told reporter Madeline Wright.

Rodriguez has launched a GoFundMe to help the family financially in the wake of this loss, as the fire also destroyed their home and possessions.

"Not only did I lose my greatest treasure, my daughters, we also lost our home, our car, and absolutely everything," Rodriguez wrote. "I turn to your good hearts to ask for your support and help me cope with this difficult time a little."

The fire broke out in the 300 block of South 4th Street around 11 p.m. Wednesday and spread quickly, as the Millville Fire Department and several nearby agencies responded to the scene. The heat was so intense that it melted a decal on one of the fire trucks.

According to reports, a gas line ruptured during the blaze, which fed the fire and allowed it to jump from house to house. Millville Fire Chief John Wettstein also told NBC Philadelphia that one of the nearby fire hydrants wasn't working, and crews had to run hoses to other hydrants hundreds of feet away to get water.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Several local organizations are alsoaccepting donations of food, clothing, gift cards, and basic necessities for the families affected by the fire. These include The Phenom Factory in Millville, Barbera's Chocolate and Ice Cream Shoppe in Vineland, Christy Funeral Homein Millville, and the Millville Soccer Association.