A family’s Thanksgiving gathering in New Jersey turned tragic when two sisters reportedly died while rescuing their disabled father from a fierce house fire.
Franzia Fleury, 49, and Pojany Fleury, 42, were overcome by flames as they dragged their father from their home on Mosswood Avenue near Tremont Avenue in Orange, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Despite the danger, their father and six others inside the house escaped without injury.
Prosecutors noted that the fire ignited around 5 p.m., and both sisters were pronounced dead at the scene by 6:45 p.m.
Pojany was a publisher and author, known for her memoir, Who Invents It?, which reflects on her journey and struggles as an inventor.
A Facebook post from the New York and Connecticut African Immigration Commissions paid tribute to Pojany, describing her as a devoted community leader whose presence will be deeply missed.
Franzia worked as a radiology technician at Clara Maas Medical Center in Belleville, New Jersey. Almost nine years ago, she shared a heartfelt photo with her father on social media, captioned with #DaddysGirl.
Local residents expressed their shock and sorrow over the event. One neighbor recounted seeing the fire’s full intensity, remarking that the situation was particularly heart-wrenching, given it was Thanksgiving.
Another neighbor, reflecting on their previous interactions with the family, mentioned how welcoming they always were during his walks around the neighborhood.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
