296 Summit Avenue, Jersey City, NJ
The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force and the Jersey City Fire Department are investigating a fatal fire that occurred on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Shortly after 3 a.m., the Jersey City Fire Department was notified of a fire at 296 Summit Avenue. Upon arrival, first responders found heavy smoke coming from a three story building. During suppression activities, firefighters located four individuals with serious injuries inside a second floor apartment unit. One male victim – later identified as Lahcen Elmguielle, 59, of Jersey City – was pronounced dead at Jersey City Medical Center sometime before 8 a.m. A 40-year-old female, an 8-year-old female, and a 6-year-old female remain in critical condition at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.
A fifth victim, a third floor resident, was treated and released from Jersey City Medical Center with minor injuries. Four firefighters are also being treated for non-life threatening injuries.
The fire remains under investigation by the Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force and the Jersey City Fire Department. Foul play is not suspected at this time.
