A search is underway for a resident after an intense fire and a house collapse in South Bound Brook, New Jersey. The blaze grew so powerful that it brought down an entire home. Emergency crews were working at the scene through the morning as the situation developed.
According to authorities, the three-alarm fire broke out at about three o'clock this morning. It started at a home on Howard Avenue in South Bound Brook. The early-morning blaze quickly grew into a major emergency for first responders.
The fire was so intense that the second floor of the home collapsed. According to authorities, that collapse brought down the whole house. The destruction left crews searching through what remained of the structure.
First responders rescued one elderly resident from the home, authorities said. That person was rushed to a hospital for treatment. The rescue came as flames tore through the building.
A second resident was unaccounted for, according to authorities, and a search was underway. Crews worked to determine whether anyone remained inside the collapsed home. The uncertainty added urgency to the response at the scene.
One firefighter suffered a minor head injury during the response, authorities said. The injury was described as minor as crews continued to battle the blaze. Emergency workers pressed on despite the dangerous conditions.
The fire also caused minor damage to neighboring homes, according to authorities. Crews remained on Howard Avenue as the investigation into the cause got underway. Officials had not released further details as the search continued.