At least one dead in Union City fire

A 74-year-old woman died in a large four-alarm blaze that affected multiple buildings in New Jersey.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:49pm

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An extreme close-up of a charred, twisted metal object from the fire scene, capturing the stark, gritty aftermath of the deadly blaze through dramatic lighting and texture.The aftermath of a devastating fire in Union City exposes the grim reality of the tragedy's physical toll.Union City Today

A 74-year-old woman died in a large four-alarm fire that broke out on Saturday afternoon in Union City, New Jersey. The fire started shortly before 4:00 p.m. along Bergen Turnpike near 39th Street, affecting several apartments, a cafe, and a cemetery monument business. The victim's body was found inside a home at 3808 Bergen Turnpike. The fire also caused a power outage for nearly 200 PSE&G customers, and the American Red Cross is assisting at least five families affected by the blaze.

Why it matters

Deadly fires in residential and commercial areas are always tragic events that impact local communities. This incident highlights the importance of fire safety, emergency response, and support for those affected by such disasters.

The details

According to the Hudson County Prosecutor, first responders arrived to find a large fire involving multiple addresses along Bergen Turnpike. The 74-year-old victim's body was discovered inside one of the affected homes. The fire also caused a widespread power outage and displaced over 20 people, with the American Red Cross providing assistance.

  • The fire sparked shortly before 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • The victim's body was found inside the home at 3808 Bergen Turnpike.

The players

Wayne Mello

The Hudson County Prosecutor who confirmed details of the fatal fire.

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What they’re saying

“Upon arrival, first responders located a fire involving 3808 through 3812 Bergen Turnpike.”

— Wayne Mello, Hudson County Prosecutor

What’s next

The Hudson County Regional Arson Task Force, North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue, and the Union City Police Department are investigating the cause and origin of the deadly fire.

The takeaway

This tragic fire serves as a somber reminder of the importance of fire safety and emergency preparedness in densely populated urban areas. Local authorities and community organizations will likely focus on supporting affected residents and determining the cause to prevent similar incidents in the future.