December 2, 2023
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Several people were critically injured by a two-alarm fire that damaged at least one apartment and sent smoke to the upper floors of a high rise building this afternoon (Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023).
Exact details of how many people were hurt were not immediately available but radio traffic from the incident commander and other emergency personnel on scene indicated that at least three victims went into cardiac arrest at the scene and were rushed to area hospitals. A victim with severe burns was also reported, however it was unclear if that person was among the three said to have gone into cardiac arrest.
Several Trenton fire companies were already busy on other assignments when the blaze at the 15-story Trent Center West apartment building at 465 Greenwood Avenue was reported about 1:25 p.m. and Engines 3, 10, and 6, Ladders 2 and 4, Rescue 1, and Battalion 7 were dispatched. Engine 1, Special Services 2 and Battalion 3 were then dispatched as the balance of the first alarm after first-due firefighters arrived and confirmed a working fire on the first floor.
At 1:52 p.m. a second alarm was transmitted which sent Ladder 1 to the scene, along with a mutual aid ladder company from Hamilton, an engine company from Lawrence and Signal 22.
Capital Health paramedics and Trenton EMS personnel called for mutual aid ambulances from Ewing, Hamilton, and elsewhere to help treat and transport as firefighters located victims amid the smoke and carried them outside. At least one firefighter reportedly suffered a minor injury and was treated on scene.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire but with smoke having spread all the way to the upper floors it took considerable time to check all floors and evacuate residents from the most smoke-filled areas. Several additional victims were reportedly located on upper floors and assisted down to the lobby and outside. A large crowd of displaced residents gathered in the parking lot and watched while emergency personnel worked. The fire was officially declared under control at 2:57 p.m. City, county and state fire and law enforcement investigators were still on the scene as of 5 p.m. probing the cause of the blaze.
Photos below: Anthony Greco
