Authorities in Ocean County say a house fire Sunday night that critically injured two people has been ruled accidental.

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Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer's office says the blaze on Mount Everest Lane in Toms River was caused by careless smoking while oxygen was in use.

The fire started around 9:45 PM and firefighters on the scene found two people, later identified as Linda Summerton and Ricky McMurry, both 73-year-old, inside. Both were airlifted to the Burn Center at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston for treatment.

Mount Everest Lane in Toms River NJ - Photo: Google Maps
Mount Everest Lane in Toms River NJ - Photo: Google Maps
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As of Wednesday morning, McMurry remains listed in critical condition while Summerton is in stable condition.

Three firefighters also suffered minor injuries and were treated at the scene.

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