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The six-year-old boy died in the blaze at the Cambridge Hall apartments on Lower Ferry Road on Thursday, Jan. 2, the Ewing Police Department said in a news release.
Emergency crews first arrived at the scene at around 3 p.m. after 911 callers reported heavy smoke and flames coming from the building. Ewing's three fire departments and all available police officers responded to the apartment complex.
Officers soon learned a child was trapped on the fourth floor and evacuated the building. Crews tried to reach the apartment unit where the fire started, fighting through more smoke and flames.
Firefighters pulled the unresponsive boy from the apartment. He was rushed to Capital Health Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
Paramedics brought 13 officers, three residents, and a firefighter to nearby hospitals. All 17 victims were being treated for minor burns, smoke inhalation, and exhaustion.
The fire was under control by 4:14 p.m., a township spokesperson said. According to police, the fire wasn't believed to be suspicious and the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office was helping in the investigation.
Mayor Bert Steinmann issued a statement calling the fire "a heartbreaking day" for Ewing.
"We are devastated by the loss of a child in today’s apartment fire," the mayor said. "There are no words to express the pain and sorrow this family is enduring, and our hearts go out to them.
Mayor Steinmann also praised the first responders and their bravery.
"We are grateful for their courage and commitment," he said. "Their actions embody the strength and resilience of Ewing.
"As a community, we will stand together to support the family, the injured responders, and everyone affected by this tragedy. We are working to ensure resources are available for those in need during this difficult time."
Hopewell, Lawrence, Trenton, and Pennington firefighters assisted in rescue efforts and extinguishing the flames. Ewing, Hopewell, Lawrence, and Trenton paramedics also aided at the scene.
Anyone with information about the fire should call Ewing police at 609-882-1313, ext. 7544.
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CORRECTION: Ewing firefighters first identified the scene of the fire as the address for the Woodbrook House apartments. A township spokesperson clarified to Daily Voice that the fire happened at Cambridge Hall, which is across the street from the Woodbrook House.
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