Millville, NJ (April 11, 2025) – What began as a late-night fire on April 9 turned into a devastating tragedy for multiple families in Millville, leaving two children dead and more than 20 people without homes.
The massive blaze ignited around 11 p.m. along the 300 block of South 4th St. and quickly consumed six homes—flattening two duplexes and heavily damaging two single-family residences. Authorities confirmed that a ruptured gas line intensified the fire, causing it to leap from house to house before crews were able to get it under control.
Among the lives lost were 9-year-old Valery and 13-year-old Sammy, two siblings remembered by relatives as bright and loving children. Their uncle spoke tearfully to local news, identifying the girls and expressing the heartbreak the family now faces.
“I have nothing left,” said Iteaia Broughton, a resident of the block and a mother of three. “My daughter has no shoes on her feet. My son has no coat. We have nothing.”
In total, 23 people were displaced. Many escaped with just the clothes they were wearing, narrowly avoiding the flames that tore through their homes.
According to Millville Fire Chief John Wettstein, the fire gained dangerous momentum after the collapse of part of a building severed a gas line, feeding the fire further and accelerating its spread.
Emergency crews worked through the night and into Thursday morning, dousing hotspots and assisting families in recovery efforts. The area remained covered in smoke and ash hours after the fire was extinguished.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause and events leading up to the gas line rupture.
We hope the affected families find strength in the days ahead and that those injured or grieving are able to begin healing.
House Fires in New Jersey
In New Jersey, residential fires continue to be a serious issue for homeowners and renters alike. Each year, hundreds of fire-related injuries and deaths are reported across the state. Many of these fires are caused by electrical malfunctions, unattended cooking, heating equipment issues, or in some tragic cases, gas leaks. These incidents highlight the need for timely safety inspections and proper emergency response.
To understand just how serious house fires can be, it’s important to look at what they can cause beyond the flames. Here are a few realities victims commonly face:
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Displacement of Entire Families: Fires often make homes uninhabitable, leaving families with no place to stay. Emergency shelters provide temporary relief, but rebuilding lives takes time and resources that many victims don’t immediately have.
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Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Losing a home—or worse, a loved one—leaves a deep emotional impact. Children and adults alike may experience PTSD, anxiety, and long-term grief, especially in sudden and violent events like house fires.
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Financial Burden After Loss: Even with insurance, the cost of replacing belongings, finding temporary housing, and repairing homes adds up quickly. Many victims face months of financial instability as they try to regain footing.
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Increased Risk of Injury or Fatality with Gas Leaks: Gas leaks make house fires significantly more dangerous. A fire fed by gas can spread rapidly and burn hotter, giving residents less time to escape and endangering emergency workers.
If you or a loved one were impacted by a house fire in New Jersey, our Millville wrongful death attorney is here to help. It’s vital to connect with legal support as soon as possible to explore your options, gather documentation, and pursue any claims for compensation or assistance. Timely legal action can make a crucial difference in your recovery.
Rand Spear The Accident Lawyer understands how difficult the aftermath of a fire can be. If you’ve lost a loved one or suffered injuries or property loss in a residential fire, we’re here to support you. Call us at 1-800-90-LEGAL (1-800-905-3425) for a free consultation. Our team is compassionate, responsive, and focused on getting results. We’ll guide you through every step, from understanding your rights to fighting for the justice you deserve. Don’t wait—let us help you move forward today.
Note: Our team of writers relies on various secondary sources to create this post, including local and state media outlets, police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts of serious accidents in Pennsylvania. If you notice any inaccuracies, please contact Rand Spear, The Accident Lawyer, immediately so we can correct the information and ensure the post reflects the most accurate details. Posts can also be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The photos used in this post were not taken at this accident scene. All information in this post is informational and is not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.
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