Two firefighters killed, two hurt in Kansas City apartment blaze

Fire Department confirms two firefighters were killed and two others injured in a Monday evening apartment fire. The crew evacuated people from the building, which included apartments, and just before the structure’s collapse, fire officials on ladders had rescued two people.

Garrett said firefighters were clearing an area with a partially collapsed roof when the structure collapsed further, injuring four of them. Two firefighters died. None of the four was immediately identified.

As of 11 p.m. crews were still on scene.

“It’s hard when you live with somebody for 24-hours a day, and you’re laughing and joking one minute and then something like this happens in the line of duty”, Berardi told CNN affiliate KCTV.

Berardi said at a press conference that firefighters were at a hospital consoling the families of the two who died.

Investigators haven’t said how the fire started.

Officials on scene told KMBC 9 News at least three firefighters were taken to hospitals.

“My prayers go out for them”. The other was expected to be released today.

Berardi said it was his worst day as Kansas City fire chief.

“It’s going to be a hard month”, Berardi said, according to Kansas City Star, adding: “I know Kansas City, and I know Kansas Citians will be reaching out to the Fire Department to help”.