Elderly Man Killed In South Jersey House Fire
By Jenn Bernstein
WINSLOW TOWNSHIP, N.J. (CBS) -- An elderly Winslow Township man was killed after an early morning fire ripped through his home. Earlier this week, the victim buried his 85-year-old brother who was fatally struck by a car.
Firefighters were dispatched to the house on South Egg Harbor Road around 1:45 a.m.
When they arrived on the scene, officials say flames could be seen inside the home.
"We went to what we call an all hands alarm that will bring in mutual aid companies from throughout the County, including Atlantic County," said Winslow Police Chief Terry Osborne.
They were able to pull a man out of the flames. He was rushed to the hospital, but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
A firefighter, who carried out the initial rescue, was taken to Virtua Berlin Hospital as a precaution. Officials say he is expected to be okay.
Police identified the victim as 82-year-old Eddie Liberto.
Police say the fire appears to have started in the front bedroom about 1:48 a.m. Friday.
Liberto's niece says they are overcome by shock and grief. She described her uncle as healthy and active.
His niece says their family has recently had a tough time. She says Eddie's wife died last year, and just on Tuesday, the family buried Eddie's brother, Rudolph Liberto, who was 85-year-old.
Rudolph Liberto was struck by a car crossing Route 73 a week and a half ago. The incident is under investigation and so far there have been no arrests.
Eddie Liberto is survived by a daughter among other family members.
The Camden County Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
