A six-year-old boy named Jayden Gotell-Watkins has reportedly been killed and multiple others injured following a fire at an apartment complex in New Jersey.
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More Details On The Fire At An Apartment Complex In New Jersey
According to USA Today, the incident occurred on Thursday, January 2. Around 3 p.m., authorities at the Ewing Police Department reportedly received calls about “heavy smoke and flames coming from the front of the building.”
Once on the scene, deputies were reportedly informed about a child who was “trapped on the fourth floor.” In response, authorities evacuated the complex and attempted to reach the child’s location.
More Details On Jayden Gotell-Watkins, The 6-Year-Old Who Passed Away, & Multiple Others Injured
Per the outlet, authorities were able to successfully locate a six-year-old boy in a fourth-floor apartment unit. Ultimately, the child was transported to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton, New Jersey. However, the 6-year-old later passed away.
Per PEOPLE, the child was subsequently identified as Jayden Gotell-Watkins. NBC 10 Philadelphia reports that he was reportedly at the location to visit his great-grandmother, Dorothy Smith, for the holidays.
“He was a good kid, very funny kid. He was smart,” Smith told NBC 10 Philadelphia.
In addition, authorities reportedly noted that “13 officers, one firefighter, and three residents” had to be taken to the hospital for “minor burns, smoke inhalation, and exhaustion.”
According to USA Today, authorities have also noted that it remains unclear what caused the fire. However, foul play is not suspected at this time.
Lastly, the outlet reports that the American Red Cross has vowed to provide affected and displaced individuals and families with meals and “guidance on [the] next steps they can take.” WPVI reports that at least 16 residents have been displaced by the fire.
A 37-Year-Old Man Also Reportedly Lost His Life Amid A House Fire
As The Shade Room previously reported, last month, reports surfaced of a man, Steven Weatherford Jr., who lost his life amid a fire on Christmas Day. Weatherford Jr. had reportedly been planning to propose to his girlfriend amid the holiday season. However, when a fire broke out in their home, Weatherford Jr. reportedly lost his life while trying to locate the ring he had hidden from his girlfriend.
