Update, 8:50 p.m.: Work on the roof of the former Regent Diner contributed to a fire that caused the Howell Police Department to shut down a portion of Route 9 during Friday's rush hour traffic.
Sgt. Rizzo of the Howell Police Department reported that at approximately 6:30 p.m. Stevens Roofing Company continued its second day of working on the roof of the Athena Diner when the fire started. The fire continued to go through the kitchen and the restaurant through the walls.
There were no injuries reported as a result of the fire with all employees and customers able to get out of the restaurant safely.
The Southard, Freewood Acres, Ramtown, Adelphia and Squankum Fire Departments all responded to the scene as did the Howell and Ramtown First Aid Squads. The investigation is being conducted by the Howell Township Fire Bureau and the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office Fire Marshall's Office.
Update, 7 p.m.: Route 9 South is now open, the Howell Police Department reported on its Facebook page.
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Howell police closed Route 9 in the area of Athena Diner as firefighters battle a blaze at the restaurant.
A car accident on Route 9 near West Farms Road at 5 p.m. added to traffic problems.
Detective Sergeant Eileen Dodd said drivers should expect lengthy delays and avoid Route 9 in Howell near the Lakewood border. Police from Howell and Lakewood had blocked the roadway near the Lakewood border and a large group of trucks had blocked the road on the other end.
With Route 9 blocked off side roads like Kent Road became even more congested during the Route 9 rush hour period.
Trucks from the Southard Fire Department, the Ramtown Fire Department, and Jackson Fire Department responded to the scene.
This is a developing storyline. Howell Patch will have more information as it becomes available.
Suze
6:13 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
Probably a kitchen fire.....
milton McC
7:01 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
Yeah right! Their business must be down.
Fed- up
5:36 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Hmmm.. My family stoped going there since the new owners took over. Anytime I drove by the Diner there was never more then 3 or 4 cars in the parking lot.
Angela Starling
6:31 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
Wow, looks pretty bad
JOE BNARI
7:57 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
MAY THE REGENT DINNER REST IN PEACE NEW OWNERS ARE RUDE SERVICE SUCKS THANK GOD WE ALL FOUND A NEW PLACE TO EAT
NYTEWYND
10:07 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
How are these pics being taken by the fd when pics are not to be taken by first rresponders working a scene let alone the investigation of the cause is not done either.
nascarfan
10:50 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
That applies to first responders taking photos of victims being administered to or being removed from the scene of an accident. It has nothing to do with firefighters photographing the scene of a fire as long as there are no victims, if any, in the photos.
Godmother Sue
10:09 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
I have not been there since it changed hands. Love it when it was the Regent. So sad.
joyce barney
10:36 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
People need to read and think before making comments-the above story tells how the fire started!!! Aside from how it started how about some thought to all those who work there and now don't have a job and for all of you who did not like the "Athena" there are many who liked the diner the food and the people!
stephanie
10:54 pm on Saturday, February 2, 2013
very true! people are happy to have a job doesnt matter if people like them or not...we have mouths to feed and pills to pay. I went to the regent from 1990-2000. Just went back to the new owners after a night in a.c and it was good. people are to quick to judge.
Rkb822
10:49 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
Don't worry about how the pics are taken , be satisfied that these guys leave thier families to protect yours and others.
abh42
11:45 pm on Friday, February 1, 2013
It is a sad day in this world when something tragic happens and all people can do is post negative comments...
NYTEWYND
2:29 am on Saturday, February 2, 2013
I n ocean county if ur caught taking pics while on a call its cause for immediate booting off dept. Guess mc has different rules.
Herbertsville
4:00 am on Saturday, February 2, 2013
Obviously in Ocean County that doesn't include Lakewood, where EMS 1st Responders constantly violate Cathy's Law as well as thelakewoodscoop.com who post videos and pictures of injured patients regularly.
NYTEWYND
2:35 am on Saturday, February 2, 2013
Where does it state cause.Its under investigation!
Herbertsville
4:03 am on Saturday, February 2, 2013
Update, 8:50 p.m.: Work on the roof of the former Regent Diner contributed to a fire that caused the Howell Police Department to shut down a portion of Route 9 during Friday's rush hour traffic. Did you read the article or are you here just post stupid questions?
Steven Hadgkiss
9:56 am on Saturday, February 2, 2013
The law can be found here - http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2012/Bills/S0500/199_U1.PDF
The fire dept didn't do anything outside of the law. The law specifically says about photos of victims
Bonnie Roseff
2:27 pm on Saturday, February 2, 2013
Whatever is the cause. It needed to be burned down. The bathrooms were disgusting. The food was disgusting. The decor was disgusting. The newer staff was disgusting. The new owners even more disgusting. The place hadn't been the same since Tony passed away. The new owners didn't care about anything....customers or food quality. couldn't happen to nicer (ahem) people. Now maybe they can rebuild and do some good. It probably was a sign.
Patch416
6:20 pm on Saturday, February 2, 2013
Loved the Athena's Diner. The staff and owners always treated us like part of the family. Had great experiences every time. Sorry that other's are so rude. Misery loves company, as they say. I am sorry for all that happened and am sad to hear such news.
type writer
10:55 am on Monday, February 4, 2013
Why are diners always "catching fire"? Who owns this diner? Any relation to OB Diner in Pt Pleasant or the former Ocean Queen Diner in Brick? Those two diners must be made out of kindling wood they go up in flames so often.
Fed- up
5:48 pm on Wednesday, February 6, 2013
The sorry fact is the new owners will get insurance money and reopen with the same smug attitude . There food was terrible and the service was terrible !
emily patterson
4:10 am on Saturday, February 23, 2013
Quit last January when the new owner spit in my face. Nasty attitudes. Nasty people.
ray
10:36 am on Saturday, March 2, 2013
the quality of the food has definitely gone down I hope the new place means better food