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Missouri fire marshal investigates death after Liberty apartment fire

A person was found dead Tuesday after a fire at an apartment building at 505 North Gallatin St. in Liberty. This Google Maps Street View image of the building was taken in October 2016.
A person was found dead Tuesday after a fire at an apartment building at 505 North Gallatin St. in Liberty. This Google Maps Street View image of the building was taken in October 2016.

The Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office has launched an investigation after Liberty fire crews found a body inside of a burning apartment building.

Fire crews responded to the blaze at 505 N. Gallatin St. just before 6 a.m. Once inside, firefighters searched the building and found a person dead in a first-floor unit.

The body was found inside of the apartment where officials think the fire started, said Liberty Fire Chief Mike Snider. The cause of death has not been officially determined.

Officials are withholding the victim’s name until relatives have been notified.

Smoke was showing from the main entry door when fire crews arrived. Firefighters quickly evacuated the building.

Crews had the fire under control within about 15 minutes.

Nine of the building’s 10 residents were home at the time of the fire, Snider said.

The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. No other injuries were reported.

The blaze was contained to one of the six units. The rest of the apartments in the building are expected to be safe for occupation, Snider said.

Glenn E. Rice: 816-234-4341, @GRicekcstar

This story was originally published February 20, 2018 at 1:14 PM with the headline "Missouri fire marshal investigates death after Liberty apartment fire."

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