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Tragedy on Thanksgiving: Two Sisters Killed Trying to Rescue Disabled Father in New Jersey House Fire

On the evening of Nov. 27 in Orange, New Jersey, sisters Frantzia (49) and Pojanee (42) Fleury were killed while helping their father, who has a disability, escape a house fire. Their father and six other residents escaped without injury. Pojanee founded Brown Eyez Magazine; Frantzia was a radiologic technologist. Authorities are investigating the cause and ask anyone with information to call 1-877-TIPS-4EC.

Tragedy on Thanksgiving: Two Sisters Killed Trying to Rescue Disabled Father in New Jersey House Fire

Two sisters died after a house fire broke out on Thanksgiving evening in Orange, New Jersey, while they were attempting to help their father, who has a disability, escape the home.

The blaze started around 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27, at a residence on Mosswood Avenue. Frantzia Fleury, 49, and her sister Pojanee Fleury, 42, were assisting their father when the fire erupted. Emergency responders pronounced both women dead shortly after the incident. Their father and six other residents escaped the house and were not injured.

About the victims

Pojanee Fleury founded Brown Eyez Magazine in 2007, a publication focused on positive artistry and holistic health within the African-American community. Frantzia Fleury worked as a radiologic technologist at Clara Maass Medical Center.

Investigation and community reaction

State and county investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire. Neighbors described the scene as heartbreaking, especially given the holiday. Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office at 1-877-TIPS-4EC (1-877-847-7432).

“I just came here to look, and then I see the whole fire. That’s heartbreaking, and on Thanksgiving, that’s hard,” an onlooker said.

This is a developing story; investigators continue to gather details about how the fire began and the sequence of events.

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