Tragic Fire Claims Lives of Four in Independence, Kansas City Suburb
INDEPENDENCE, Mo.—On Wednesday, a tragic fire claimed the lives of two adults and two children in an apartment complex located in a suburban area of Kansas City, Missouri, amid frigid temperatures.
The blaze was reported around 6 a.m. at the Indy Ridge Apartments in Independence. Fire Chief Jimmy Walker indicated during a news briefing that the victims included two children, ages 3 and 8, who were discovered after the flames were brought under control.
“This is a heartbreaking day for our community,” Walker stated. “We must come together in this difficult time.”
Walker noted that approximately two dozen units were affected. Firefighters spent four hours at the scene combating the fire, wrestling with strong winds reaching up to 24 mph, while temperatures hovered in the 20s.
The identities of the deceased have not been disclosed pending family notifications. Additionally, 32 individuals have been displaced, and two firefighters suffered burns. The Red Cross has established an emergency shelter for those affected.
Carissa Schulke shared with The Kansas City Star that she was awakened by crackling noises before hearing emergency sirens.
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“Suddenly, there was no knocking; they just broke in, saying, ‘You need to evacuate now!’” Schulke recalled, as she stood outside in the cold, her dog shivering while firefighters worked to douse the flames.
