The Kansas City, Kansas Fire Department (KCKFD) is investigating a fatal fire that occurred on Thursday evening, September 25, at 928 S. 71st Street.
According to KCKFD, crews arrived within five minutes of the call and found smoke coming from the upper windows of the apartment. Firefighters were told that an occupant might still be inside.
Crews entered the apartment and located a 15-year-old male who was unresponsive on the second floor. The victim was removed from the building, and life-saving measures were started. He was transported to the hospital, where efforts continued until he was pronounced dead at 7:41 p.m.
Firefighters also searched the rest of the apartment and adjoining units but did not find any additional victims. The fire was declared under control by 6:53 p.m.
During the response, one firefighter was treated and taken to the hospital for heat exhaustion. Another resident was hospitalized after suffering cuts while breaking a window to help a trapped occupant. That occupant was also taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation.
KCKFD said the origin and cause of the fire remain under investigation by the department’s Fire Investigations Unit.
