2 Women Killed, ‘Hero’ Neighbor Rescues Girl In Mercer House Fire

MERCER COUNTY, NJ - A house fire in Hamilton claimed the lives of two women early Thursday morning, while a heroic neighbor's quick actions saved a young girl from the burning building, authorities said.

Emergency crews rushed to a 2½-story home on the 200 block of Lynwood Avenue at approximately 6:07 a.m. after reports of a fire. When police and firefighters arrived at the scene, they found a juvenile who had been helped to safety by a neighbor who assisted her escape through a second-floor window.

The girl informed officers that her grandmother and sister remained trapped inside the burning structure. Firefighters immediately entered the building and located both women in separate second-floor rooms. Emergency medical personnel treated them at the scene before taking them to Capital Health in Hamilton. Despite medical efforts, both women succumbed to their injuries the following day.

The juvenile was also taken to Capital Health for evaluation and has since been released.

The Hamilton Township Professional Firefighters praised the neighbor's courageous actions on social media, writing: "The neighbor acted without regard for their own safety and for that he is a hero!"

Four firefighters sustained minor injuries while battling the blaze but have all been treated and released from the hospital.

Authorities have ruled the fire accidental and believe it originated in a first-floor room.

Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Chris Pullen of the Hamilton Police Division Major Crimes Unit at (609) 689-5822 or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.

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