Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Man Identified as Victim in Fatal Fire at Former Bed and Breakfast Hotel in Bergen County
A tragic incident unfolded in Bergen County, NJ, as a 42-year-old man, Xavier Contreras, was identified as the victim in a fatal fire that occurred at a defunct bed and breakfast hotel off Route 9 in Bergenfield.
Details of the Incident
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office reported that on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at around 2:21 a.m., the Ridgefield Police Department received a distressing report of a fire at the former Toddle Inn located at 850 Broad Ave.
Xavier Contreras was found deceased on the first floor of the building. Ridgefield Police officers and the Ridgefield Fire Department swiftly responded to the scene to combat the blaze.
Investigation Ongoing
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Task Force is currently investigating the origin and cause of the fire. At this time, no additional information has been released regarding the incident.
Property History
The building, believed to be over 100 years old, was owned by the Todd family for nearly seven decades. Councilman Angus Todd, the previous owner, passed away in 2020. Plans were underway to transform the property into a mixed-use development featuring retail and housing.
Authorities and Acknowledgments
Prosecutor Mark Musella expressed gratitude towards the Ridgefield Police Department, as well as the Ridgefield, Palisades Park, Fairview, Cliffside Park, Little Ferry, and Carlstadt Fire Departments, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mahwah Police Department and Hackensack Fire Department, all of whom were involved in the Bergen County Arson Task Force.
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