Fire officials, police investigating discovery of bodies after Independence blaze
Fire officials and police are investigating the discovery of two bodies after battling a structure fire inside an unoccupied building in Independence.
The bodies were discovered after firefighters put out the blaze about 6:40 p.m. Saturday near Pitcher Road and Blue Ridge Cutoff. The fire, officials said, was under control about 30 minutes later.
#IndepFire Brief - At 6:40 p.m. units from Stations 1, 2, 3, 5 & 8 responded to a structure fire in area of Pitcher Rd and Blue Ridge Cutoff. Structure was unoccupied. Fire under control at 7:07 and is now under investigation.
— City of Independence (@CityOfIndepMO) December 24, 2017
Shortly thereafter, a person was found dead at the scene. A second person was found minutes later.
#IndepFire Brief Update - Civilian casualty found at scene of Pitcher Rd fire. State Fire Marshal en route. Fire cause and scene remain under investigation. Further information will be provided when available.
— City of Independence (@CityOfIndepMO) December 24, 2017
The cause of the fire is unknown and remains under investigation, officials said.
The State Fire Marshal is assisting Independence officials with the inquiry.
Toriano Porter: 816-234-4779, @torianoporter
This story was originally published December 23, 2017 at 11:22 PM with the headline "Fire officials, police investigating discovery of bodies after Independence blaze."