Three small children injured in deadly blaze on the mend

JAMESBURG — Two of the three children who were badly injured in a fire that took the lives of their mothers have been released from the hospital, Police Chief Martin Horvath said.

Derrick Lowenberg and Adam Gonzalez, both 10 months old, were released from Saint Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston recently, Horvath said Monday. A third child, 2-year-old Alyssa Gonzalez, remains hospitalized but is expected to be released soon, after a minor medical procedure, the chief said. The investigation into the July 3 blaze that broke out shortly after midnight has determined that the fire was electrical in nature and began in the living room ceiling of the twostory wood-frame house, Horvath said.

“I have no other details,” the chief said.

As fire engulfed the home, Derrick’s 28- year-old mother Jayme handed the baby out of the smoke-filled attic window to passerby John Muirhead, who had climbed onto the porch roof, police have said. Jayme fell to her death soon after, police have said.

Her sister, Michelle D. Gonzalez, 25, of Triangle, Va., was found in a second-floor hallway with her two children, Horvath said. Michelle died four days later at Raritan Bay Medical Center, Old Bridge, from injuries related to the fire.

Jayme Lowenberg was an English teacher at Hillside High School. Gonzalez, who leaves behind her husband William and two children, was a student at North Virginia Community College.

Horvath said as far as he knew the house was equipped with working smoke detectors at the time of the fire.

Lowenberg’s husband, George, was in Virginia at the time, helping family members with a renovation project.

Horvath said George Lowenberg came by the police station the other day with his baby.

“He was sound asleep in his dad’s arms,” the chief said. “His dad said he was doing very well.”

The first call about the fire came in at 12:31 a.m. By the time police and firefighters arrived, flames were shooting out of the porch area and the front of the home.

The initial probe determined that the blaze was not suspicious. The investigation by Jamesburg Sgt. James Mennuti and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office is continuing.

Monetary donations for the family can be sent to TD Bank, 230 Forsgate Drive, Monroe Township, NJ 08831. Anyone who wants to donate clothing or furniture can contact the police department at 732-521-0011.

The Helmetta Fire Department is sponsoring a bingo night to benefit the fire victims Aug. 3 at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Main Street in Helmetta. Doors to open at 6 p.m., with ticket sales starting at 7 p.m. Calling for the game will begin 45 minutes later.