EAST ORANGE, NJ — Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II and East Orange Public Safety Director Domingos Saldida announced July 10 that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, with assistance from East Orange Police and Fire departments, is investigating a fatal fire that resulted in the death of David C. Swiney, 53, of East Orange.
The preliminary investigation indicates that a fire broke out just before 4 p.m. on July 9 at 41 Wayne Ave., a two-and-a-half-story wood-frame home. Three people were in the house. Two were able to escape. Swiney, who was blind, had to be removed from the building by firefighters. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation is active and ongoing, but the preliminary indication is that the fire was started accidentally.
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