TOMS RIVER – Authorities have announced that the major house fire that took place Sunday night on Mount Everest Lane has been ruled accidental.
The blaze left two residents, identified as Linda Summerton, 73, and Ricky McMurry, 73, severely injured. As a result, they were airlifted to the Burn Center at Cooper Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston. McMurry remains listed in critical condition, while Summerton is listed in stable condition, officials said.
In addition, three firefighters received minor injuries and were treated at the scene.
Investigation revealed that the cause of the fire was careless smoking while oxygen was in use, officials said.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledged the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Unit, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Toms River Township Bureau of Fire Prevention, for their combined and cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation.
Photo courtesy The Lakewood Scoop.
