The flames erupted at the Mariner's Cove Motor Inn on Broadway in Point Pleasant Beach shortly before 6 a.m. Friday. The critically injured victims were taken to a hospital; the identities of those killed were not immediately released.
Ocean County Prosecutor's Office spokesman Al Della Fave says investigators and firefighters are sifting through the charred rubble to check for more potential victims.
Joe Frystock, of Brick Township, tells NBC 4 New York he was displaced by Sandy and has been staying at the motel since December. He says some others staying at the hotel are also Sandy victims.
Frystock has been staying in a room on the ground floor. He said it appeared the fire started on the second floor. Peter Van Sciver, who lives nearby, said he saw people trying to jump from there to escape flames.
The motel, which is about two blocks from the beach, was destroyed. Chopper 4 captured video of the burnt-out shell of the inn after firefighters doused the flames.
A deputy sheriff also suffered a minor leg injury but is expected to be OK, law enforcement sources said.
