INDEPENDENCE, Mo. (KCTV/Gray News) – A community is mourning the loss of a family of four who died in an apartment fire Wednesday morning.
According to the Independence Fire Department, crews were called about a massive fire at Indy Ridge Apartments at about 6 a.m.
Fire officials said it took nearly two hours for firefighters to extinguish the flames and crews continued to work on hot spots throughout the morning.
Sadly, four people, including children ages 8 and 3 years old, died in the fire, and more than 30 people were displaced.
“It’s a sad day for the community,” Independence Fire Chief Jimmy Walker said.
The Red Cross said it is a heartbreaking situation, but it is stepping in to help those in need.
“Heartbreaking … is about the best way to explain it,” JoAnn Woody, with the Greater Kansas City American Red Cross, said. “There were about 32 individuals displaced by the fire.”
Firefighters from several neighboring cities assisted Independence Fire with the blaze.
Two firefighters were also injured and sent to an area hospital for burns to their hands, neck and ears.
Residents said they were awakened that morning by the massive fire.
“I watched everything … it was honestly one of the most terrifying experiences in my life,” Paige Miller said. “My heart is really sad.”
The family has since been identified as Katelyn and DeVante McShann along with children, 8-year-old Bella Edwards and 3-year-old Aaliyah McShann.
Loved ones have started a GoFundMe in the family’s honor, saying “Their passing has left an indescribable void in our hearts.”
Fire Chief Walker said the fire was believed to be a cooking-related fire with the state fire marshal’s office continuing to investigate.
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