A New Jersey mom died when her home collapsed Monday — and cops believe she used her body to shield her 16-year-old daughter…
A New Jersey mom died when her home collapsed Monday — and cops believe she used her body to shield her 16-year-old daughter in a final act of heroism.
The Hamilton Township structure on South Broad Street collapsed around 7 a.m., while three people were believed to be inside, officials said.
First responders “heard screams coming from the center of the dwelling,” Hamilton Fire Department Capt. Ferdi Mather said at a press conference at the scene.
The unidentified victim’s 20-year-old daughter was able to partially exit the from the back of the building as it began to crumble, Mather said.
Meanwhile, “additional units arrived,” Mather continued. “They found the deceased victim on top of…the daughter, the 16-year-old daughter.”
Mather wouldn’t say whether or not he believed the woman was on top of her daughter as a means to protect her.
The two young women were taken to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in serious, but stable condition.
Crews are working with cadaver dogs to confirm there were no other people in the home.
Mather added that he did not believe the house exploded, given how the debris fell — downwards, rather than outwards.
