Fire in New Jersey Kills 3, Injures 2

PATERSON, N.J. (AP) -- Three people were killed and two injured in a house fire Thursday morning, authorities said.

The cause of the fire that destroyed a 2 1/2-story, wood-frame home was under investigation. Houses on either side also sustained heavy damage in the fire.

Killed were a 77-year old woman, who owned the house; a 20-year-old woman and a 35-year old man, who was believed to be a tenant, said Paul Chiaramonte, Passaic County's senior assistant prosecutor.

An 11-year-old girl was listed in critical condition in the burn unit of St. Barnabas Hospital, spokeswoman Robin Lally said. A 29-year-old woman was being treated for hysteria, Chiaramonte said.

The victims' names were being withheld until families were notified.