Prosecutors: Atlantic City’s Central Pier bursts into flames; 1 man dead
Prosecutors say Bruce Eder, 67, was killed in the fire. A small homeless encampment was observed in the area of the fire, authorities say.
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A 67-year-old man was killed in a fire that erupted on the boardwalk at Central Pier in Atlantic City on Thursday, according to Atlantic County prosecutors.
Authorities say it appears the fire started underneath the boardwalk. They say a small homeless encampment was observed in the area of the fire. The fire then spread and damaged the structure of the boardwalk and the arcade above.
Bruce Eder, residing last in Atlantic City, appeared to be sleeping and was killed in the fire, according to prosecutors. His official cause of death is pending an autopsy.
Black smoke filled the air as crews battled the fire that started at 7 p.m. near 1400 Boardwalk and Tennessee Avenue.
Prosecutors say the cause of the fire appeared to be an open flame to available combustibles. They say a small campfire was set in the area of the victim. Although the fire was intentionally set, prosecutors say it does not appear to be criminal in nature.
No other injuries were reported.
