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The two-alarm blaze that killed Ahmed Abidar broke out just before 5:34 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at a multi-family home on Jay Avenue, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. Lyndhurst police and firefighters, with mutual aid from surrounding departments, responded to find flames engulfing the residence, officials said.
During fire suppression efforts, first responders evacuated Abidar from the third floor of the home. He was unresponsive when located, and responders initiated CPR at the scene before transporting him to Clara Maass Medical Center in critical condition, authorities said.
Several other residents were also evacuated, some self-rescuing while others were assisted by first responders. They were taken to area hospitals for treatment.
Tragically, Abidar succumbed to his injuries the following day, Friday, Dec. 6, officials said.
The Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Arson Squad, working alongside the Lyndhurst Police Department, Lyndhurst Fire Department, and Lyndhurst Fire Prevention Bureau, conducted an investigation. The Bergen County Arson Task Force, with support from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office and River Vale Police Department, also participated. Investigators determined the fire does not appear suspicious in nature.
Prosecutor Musella expressed gratitude to the Lyndhurst emergency services teams, neighboring fire departments that provided mutual aid, and the agencies involved in the investigation for their efforts.
The fire remains under investigation.
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