Leonel García-Cortez and María Guaya Obituary, Death; – The individuals affected by a devastating fire in Plainfield were named on Monday, following the incident that resulted in the deaths of two parents and the displacement of numerous residents.
The fire ignited on West Front Street at approximately 1 a.m. on Sunday.
The deceased were identified on Monday as Leonel García-Cortez and María Guaya, who leave behind two children aged 17 and 11.
While numerous firefighters worked to extinguish the flames, building superintendent Hugo Fernandez assisted the children residing in the affected apartment to escape.
He mentioned that the children were without clothing or shoes and that the temperature was frigid, prompting him to provide them with his jacket.
Authorities reported that one victim was discovered in the apartment’s entryway, while the other was located inside before being declared deceased.
Furthermore, two firefighters sustained injuries but were subsequently released, and three residents, including an infant, received treatment for smoke inhalation.
The building remains inaccessible on Monday, as over 70 tenants have been displaced.
Local churches are soliciting donations, and individuals who learned of the fire are arriving to inquire about ways to assist.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
