Investigators: Deadly Brick Twp. house fire ruled an accident
Investigators say a southern New Jersey house fire that killed a woman last weekend was an accident.
Ocean County authorities say firefighters found the body of 66-year-old Grace Merkel early Saturday, after they extinguished the blaze at her Brick home.
Investigators determined that the fire started in the master bedroom, adding that a failure of “energized electrical equipment” helped spark the blaze.
Merkel lived alone in the single-story home on Dock Road, and no other injuries were reported in the fire.
An autopsy determined that the burn injuries Merkel received were consistent with the fire and that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.
Atlantic City mayor: I’m committed to my family and city while dealing with daughter abuse charges
In his first public comments since prosecutors on Monday charged him and his wife, Mayor Marty Small said he would not be distracted from his duties.
16 hours ago
The council president says an investigation led by the township solicitor began about three months ago.
17 hours ago
64-year-old Ray Pinney, of Boonton, is raising money for the Dylan’s Wings of Change charity, which helps student leaders.
23 hours ago