Tragic duplex fire claims lives of two young sisters in New Jersey

In Millville, New Jersey, a devastating fire broke out late on Wednesday night, resulting in the deaths of two young sisters ages 8 and 10. The incident, which occurred in their family's duplex home, left many residents in the community in shock and mourning. Firefighters responded to the blaze around 11 p.m., but their efforts were severely hindered by a malfunctioning hydrant. As the flames spread rapidly, engulfing three homes before firefighters could control the blaze, the heat was so intense that it damaged nearby vehicles and equipment. The sisters, Valery Mariana Cardona Gómez, 13, and Gissel Samanta Cardona Gómez, 11, were trapped within the duplex when the roof collapsed. Their father, Jhon Alexander Rodríguez Hernández, and his girlfriend managed to escape with their younger twins but believed the girls would follow them out. Sadly, they could not reach safety in time. The community of Millville has rallied together to support the affected families, with local businesses and individuals donating clothes, shoes, and essential items to those displaced by the fire. The loss of the two sisters has not only rocked their family but has also reverberated throughout the entire neighborhood. Family members described Valery as an artistic child who loved to sing and paint, while Gissel was noted for her studious nature and maturity. The fire's cause is currently under investigation but authorities stated that it does not appear suspicious. Fire officials noted that the early response was complicated by strong winds and the initial lack of accessible water supply. As the community grieves, there are efforts on the ground to aid those who lost their homes in the fire, demonstrating resilience in the face of tragedy. Organizers like Abby Soto are working hard to collect items to support those impacted, showing that even in dark times, the spirit of generosity can shine through. The Millville Fire Department’s Chief, John Wettstein, commented on the unexpected nature of such a destructive fire and the challenges faced during the response, suggesting that an assessment could take days to determine the exact cause of the fire. The community is left not just to remember the two lost sisters but also to heal and rebuild in the aftermath of this disaster.