2006 Media Releases:

CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE
VINCENT P. SARUBBI, CAMDEN COUNTY PROSECUTOR
MEDIA   INFORMATION

January 10, 2006

A 1-year-old boy was killed in a fire early today in the 4100 block of Westfield Avenue in Camden, N.J. Investigators are still trying to determine his name. That is the only confirmed fatality at this point despite earlier reports of two dead.

The Camden Fire Department responded at approximately 2:50 a.m. today to a fire at a twin home, 4113-4115 Westfield Avenue. Approximately 16 people lived in the two residences. Information received so far is that six victims are at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. At least one is in critical condition, three others at Temple are in stable condition, while the conditions of the other two at Temple are unknown at this time.

One victim is reportedly at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Camden in stable condition. Another eight or nine sustained minor injuries or no injuries and were not hospitalized.

The county and city Fire Marshal's offices are investigating to determine the fire's cause and origin. Initial indication is that the fire was accidental.

This information is preliminary due to the number of victims and the fact they were sent to various hospitals. I plan to send an update mid-afternoon today. However, if any additional fatalities are confirmed, I will communicate that as soon as possible.

Update:

The boy who died in the fire this morning on Westfield Avenue in Camden, N.J., has been identified as Alex Palillero, 19 months old. He was a resident of 4113 Westfield.

The following people remained hospitalized at Temple University Hospital in Philadelphia. They are all residents of 4113:

• Alfredo Palillero, M/22. Father of Alex.
• Adriana Roldan, F/19. Mother of Alex.
• Eduardo Palillero, M/2. Brother of Alex.
• Guadalupe Palillero, F/18.
• Efren Palillero, M/19.
• Miguel Palillero, M/15.

All six are in critical but stable condition, except for Adriana Roldan, who is in very critical condition. No other victims are hospitalized.

Six other members of the family lived at 4113 Westfield, ranging in age from 8 to 39, but were not seriously injured.

Four residents of 4115 Westfield, a mother and her three children, were not injured.

One Camden firefighter, Capt. John Church, was treated for smoke inhalation and released.

Two residents of 4111 Westfield sustained minor injuries, apparently during a rescue attempt. They were treated and released. Their names were not immediately available.

Displaced residents have been relocated to short-term housing by the Red Cross in coordination with Camden Department of Health and Human Services. Those agencies are also working to find longer term alternative housing.

The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation by the Camden County and Camden City fire marshals offices.