Frank Lautenberg: “Tragedy struck in New Jersey last week. It was obviously of enough significant interest that it was portrayed across the…”

“Tragedy struck in New Jersey last week. It was obviously of enough significant interest that it was portrayed across the country. Three students who were 18 years old lost their lives in a dormitory fire, and several others were seriously injured. We are still waiting, with hope and prayer, to hear that they are going to be able to recover. This is virtually in my neighborhood back home. I know Seton Hall University well. I know the president and the archbishop of the diocese; we are very good friends. Everybody wanted to reach out and do something. The first of the three funerals was held today. It is a sad day. It raises a question about what we should expect in a dormitory. Hindsight won't do us much good in this instance. The building they were in was built a long time ago. The tragic fire took place last Wednesday. The fire started inside a six-story residence hall. It took the lives of 3 students and injured 62 others, including at least 58 students, 2 police officers, and 2 firefighters. Mr. President, we don't have to tell anybody that nothing is as painful as a senseless accident--which perhaps we can avoid seeing in the future--that takes the lives of young people. Anyone who is a parent or relative of an 18-year-old would be seriously grieved by what happened. I know I speak for all of us in the Senate in extending our sympathies to the families of the three students who died in the fire.”