A fire on the Jersey Shore Friday has left three dead and at least eight injured.
The fire was pushed by heavy beach winds, according to Reuters, blowing into a motel in the early morning. At least 40 people were staying at the Mariner’s Cove Motor Inn. However, not all 40 people were present during the time of the fire and their whereabouts are unknown.
“The entire second floor was engulfed, from one end to another,” Joe Frystock, one of the survivors, said.
The Associated Press reports that the motel’s office area was completely destroyed. Survivors called the scene extremely chaotic.
“There were people yelling, ‘Help me! Help me!’ and other people yelling, ‘Jump! Jump!’”, said Denise Dougherty, the motel’s housekeeper. “It was terrible.”
Many were injured, at least three critically after receiving extreme burns. One person reportedly jumped from the second-floor to try and escape; he only suffered a sprained ankle. Three have been confirmed dead.
The fire was distinguished by firefighters after a few hours. The cause of how the fire started is still unknown.