A massive fire broke out in a New Jersey neighbourhood,whose residents were mostly Indians,destroying several apartments but no casualty was reported. The incident occurred in an apartment complex in Avenel,New Jersey. According to the Telugu Association of North America,more than 90 per cent of the 52 families that lived in the neighbourhood are of Telugu origin. While the families were evacuated safely from the buildings,they lost all their possessions including important documents like passports,green cards and other essential identification papers. The cause of the fire,which broke out on Tuesday,is being investigated. TANA President Prasad Thotakura said the organization would work with city officials to help the victims. The group has also approached the Indian consulate to get help in getting new passports and immigration documents of the families. Authorities from the local Mayor's office are working with the residents to expedite the process of giving them their driver's licenses and Social Security Numbers. Collection centres for donations of clothing and food have been set up at two locations near the neighbourhood. They are accepting money,as well as food and clothing. Investigators were inspecting the rubble of the buildings in search of the cause of the blaze. Officials declared the buildings too dangerous for residents to return and search for any property. Residents have been thronging the rental office of the apartment complex,seeking information about other units.
